Juventus Sack Igor Tudor After Winless Streak

Italian Serie A giants, Juventus have dismissed head coach Igor Tudor following a miserable run of form that has left the club winless in eight straight matches.

The Italian side made the announcement on Monday, confirming that reserve team coach Massimiliano Brambilla will temporarily take charge of the first team ahead of Wednesday’s Serie A clash with Udinese.

In a statement released by the club, Juventus said: “Juventus Football Club today announced that Igor Tudor is no longer the head coach of the first team. His coaching staff members Ivan Javorčić, Tomislav Rogić, and Riccardo Lanić also left their positions simultaneously.”

The club thanked the Croatian and his backroom staff for their “professionalism and dedication over the past few months,” adding that they wished them success in their future endeavours

Tudor’s departure comes in the wake of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Lazio, which extended Juventus’ winless streak to eight games and deepened frustration among fans.

The result also marked the team’s third straight loss across all competitions, leaving them eighth in Serie A and struggling to stay afloat in the Champions League group stage, where they sit 25th.

The 46-year-old took over from Thiago Motta in March and managed 24 games, collecting 10 wins, eight draws, and six losses. His only notable highlight came early in the season when Juventus beat Inter Milan 1-0 on September 13, their most recent victory.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Luciano Spalletti, who guided Napoli to the Scudetto in 2023, is the frontrunner to replace Tudor on a permanent basis. Other names linked to the job include Roberto Mancini, Raffaele Palladino and former boss Thiago Motta, who remains under contract with Juventus until 2027 despite being sacked earlier this year.

Brambilla, who currently manages Juventus’ second team, will now be in the dugout when the Bianconeri host Udinese at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

EPL: ‘Oldest one’ – Maresca reveals why Tosin might not be happy at Chelsea

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has revealed that Tosin Adarabioyo is unhappy due to a lack of game time despite being the oldest member of his squad.

The Italian gaffer spoke ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Sunderland at the weekend.

Tosin, 28, happens to be the oldest outfield player at Stamford Bridge at the moment, yet he is not a guaranteed starter.

In his first season at the club, Tosin started fifteen of the 38 Premier League games contested by Chelsea.

This season, he has only played three games from the start

Maresca used both Estevao Willian and centre-back Tosin as examples as he tried to explain how competitive it is becoming at the club.

He said, “It’s with Estevao but it’s almost with all of them. It doesn’t matter the age because if you say to Tosin, who’s the oldest one, that he’s not going to play, he’s not happy.

So, it’s not about the age; it’s about the fact that when they don’t play, they are not happy. But again, they have to understand that they cannot play every game.”

Chelsea play Sunderland on Saturday, and with Levi Colwill and Benoît Badiashile unavailable for selection due to injuries, Tosin may be called upon to fill the gap.

Mikel Obi shines as Chelsea lose to Liverpool in legends clash

Super Eagles icons Mikel Obi and Celestine Babayaro both featured for Chelsea in a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Liverpool in a legends clash.

Chelsea fans welcomed Nigerian superstars Mikel Obi, Celestine Babayaro and numerous other favorites back to Stamford Bridge.

The Super Eagles icons were in action as Chelsea suffered a 0-1 loss to Liverpool in a Legends clash.

John Terry and Gary Cahill, with William Gallas on the right and Florent Malouda at left-back, shielded Petr Cech in goal for Chelsea

Makelele, joined John Mikel Obi and Ramires in the middle of the park to control the game.

Eden Hazard was on the left, Salomon Kalou on the right, and Diego Costa led the front of the line.

Before the game started, both teams paid tribute to Matt Beard, Joey Jones, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva, who all died earlier this year.

The game has a scuffle as Martin Skrtel had a contentious moment involving Diego Costa.

During the break, Joe Cole, Jody Morris, Katie Chapman, and Celestine Babayaro were introduced into the game.

With three minutes left, Ryan Babel cut inside on his right foot and struck the bottom corner of Carlo Cudicini’s goal to seal the game.

UCL:Holders PSG wins 2-1 at Barcelona in Champions League

Goncalo Ramos scored a 90th-minute winner as holders Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 2-1 on Wednesday in an early clash of Champions League title contenders in Spain.

Ferran Torres steered Barcelona ahead in the 19th minute, but Senny Mayulu equalised before half-time for a PSG team missing Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Ramos came off the bench and scored in the final minute at the Olympic Stadium as the reigning European champions made it two wins from two in this season’s league phase.

Liverpool Maintain 100%, United Edge Chelsea As Spurs, Fulham Shine In Saturday EPL Drama

The English Premier League table underwent a swift shuffling on Saturday as Liverpool maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Everton in Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring early in the 10th minute after linking up with Mohamed Salah, before Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead 19 minutes later.

Everton refused to roll over, pulling one back through Idrissa Gueye in the second half, but Liverpool held on to claim all three points.

The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have now won all five of their opening games, while Everton dropped to seventh after suffering their second defeat of the campaign.

Spurs Show Spirit in 2-2 Draw at Brighton

Tottenham staged a spirited comeback to share the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The hosts looked comfortable after goals from Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari put them 2-0 up, but Spurs rallied back. Richarlison halved the deficit before Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke put the ball into his own net late on after pressure from Mohammed Kudus.

The result leaves both sides reflecting on missed chances: Brighton for failing to close out the game, Spurs for leaving it late to rescue a point

Manchester United Secured All Three Points

ObasEmpire reports that the Red Devils secured a much-needed win, but had to survive a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off inside five minutes, tilting the contest. United capitalised, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro giving the hosts control.

But Casemiro later saw red himself, and Chelsea pulled one back through Trevoh Chalobah, sparking a frantic finale. United held firm, easing some of the pressure on Erik ten Hag, while Chelsea left Manchester feeling hard done by.

Fulham Overcome Brentford in West London Derby

Meanwhile, Fulham showed grit and quality to beat their neighbours, Brentford, 3-1 at Craven Cottage.

Mikkel Damsgaard had given Brentford an early lead, punishing a defensive mix-up. But Alex Iwobi equalised just before half-time, swinging momentum.

Harry Wilson then curled in a superb strike to put Fulham ahead, before Ethan Pinnock’s own goal sealed victory.

The win lifted Fulham up the table, while Brentford’s defensive frailties were once again exposed

Haaland Strikes Twice as Man City Thumps Man United 3-0

Erling Haaland struck twice as Manchester City inflicted another damaging defeat on Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim with a comprehensive 3-0 win on Sunday.

Phil Foden opened the scoring before Haaland took centre stage with a second-half double, either side of an incredible miss from the Norwegian, as City bounced back from two consecutive Premier League defeats.

I Have Not Spoken To Anyone About Nigerian Football – Okocha Speaks On Interest In NFF Presidency

Legendary Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha has dismissed reports suggesting that he is contesting for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presidency.

ObasEmpire reports that following Tuesday’s disappointing 1-1 draw between the Super Eagles and South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, calls for the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to resign intensified.

After the calls, there have been speculations that Okocha had expressed interest in running for the NFF presidency.

However, speaking via a post shared on Instagram, the sportsman dismissed the rumours and urged those behind them to cease.

He wrote, “Hello everyone, I just want to use this opportunity to say that the news and posts circulating are false.

“I have not spoken to anyone about Nigerian football or any interest in becoming NFF president. I’m currently in Kigali attending SPORTSBIZAFRICA.

I’m pleading with those spreading false information to stop. I appreciate my people and understand the frustration we’re experiencing, but rest assured that better days are ahead; let’s keep believing. I know it’s not easy, but we are all in this together. God bless, and please let’s stay strong.”

2026 World Cup: 16 countries qualify for tournament [Full list]

A total of 16 countries have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay secured their spots on Thursday, following the penultimate qualifying fixtures in the South America zone.

There were 3-0 wins for both Uruguay and Colombia, while Paraguay had a scoreless draw.

The trio join already qualified Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador from the continent.

The World Cup next year will have a record 48 teams and will be co-hosted the United States, Mexico and Canada, who all earned automatic qualification.

Other countries who have already booked their places include Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan and Australia.

A total of 43 will qualify through continental qualifying tournaments, while two more will secure their places in the intercontinental playoffs featuring six teams in March 2026.

Bayern Munich set to make a move for Nigerian forward Ademola lookman

Bayern Munich have made an approach to sign Nigeria international Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, according to reports.

The German giants are proposing a loan deal for the 27-year-old attacker, which would include a significant fee and an option to buy at a substantial price.

Lookman is understood to be open to a new challenge and is keen on leaving Atalanta this summer as he eyes the next major step in his career.

Inter Milan had shown strong interest earlier in the window, but Atalanta are reluctant to allow him join another Serie A rival.

The development comes shortly after The Athletic reported that Chelsea pulled the plug on Bayern’s planned loan deal for Nicolas Jackson, following an injury to Blues striker Liam Delap.

Lookman has enjoyed a remarkable career revival since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig for around €10 million in 2022.

After earlier spells at Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, the forward has flourished in Italy, becoming one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.

He delivered a standout campaign in 2023/24, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 45 matches.

His crowning moment came in the Europa League final, where he netted a hat-trick to inspire Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen — ending the German side’s 51-game unbeaten run and handing Atalanta their first European trophy in history.

Lookman followed that up with another prolific season, registering 20 goals and seven assists in 40 appearances as Atalanta finished third in Serie A and secured Champions League qualification.

Bayern are expected to intensify talks in the coming days as they push to bring the Nigerian forward to the Allianz Arena.

Alejandro Garnacho Joins Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson Angry After Loan Deal Collapse

Chelsea have completed the £40 million signing of Argentina winger, Alejandro Garnacho, from Manchester United.

Alejandro Garnacho, 21, has penned a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2032, becoming the latest big-name arrival in Enzo Maresca’s squad.

“It’s an incredible moment for my family and I to join this great club,” Garnacho told Chelsea’s official website. “I can’t wait to get started. I watched the Club World Cup and to join the world champions is special, we’re the best team in the world!”

Garnacho, who broke into United’s senior side in 2022, made 144 appearances and scored 26 goals before switching allegiances to Chelsea. His arrival is being hailed as a coup, not least because of his age and long-term potential.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson, who had already travelled to Germany to undergo a medical ahead of a loan switch to Bayern Munich, was abruptly ordered back to London.

Chelsea informed Bayern they had revoked permission for the deal after striker Liam Delap suffered a serious hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Fulham earlier today, August 30.

According to BBC Sport, the 24-year-old is “angry” at the collapse of his initial £13m loan move, although both clubs are expected to revisit discussions in the coming days.

Speaking after the Fulham win, Maresca admitted the situation caught him by surprise. “I just finished the game, came here and have no idea. We’re going to sit now and we’ll see. Honestly, I have no idea,” he said. “When you have two strikers, it’s enough. When one of them is injured for different weeks, probably it’s not enough.”

Chelsea’s next test comes in the Champions League, away at Bayern Munich on September 17. Interestingly, a tie in which Jackson is now expected to lead the line in blue rather than red.