Sports

EPL Final Day: 5 Matches That Could Impact European Qualification

Published

3 weeks ago

May 25, 2025

As the English Premier League, EPL wraps up its season, the title race and relegation battle are long settled.

However, the race for European spots remains wide open — with Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League places still undecided.

Here are five key matches on the final day of the EPL that could shape who plays continental football next season:

1. Fulham v Manchester City

City need just a point to secure a Champions League spot. A win seals it, while a loss could open the door for teams below—especially if goal difference becomes a factor.

2. Manchester United v Aston Villa

Villa still have a slim chance at Champions League qualification but need to beat United and hope other results go their way. At minimum, they’ll be aiming to clinch a Europa League slot.

3. Newcastle v Everton

Newcastle are currently in the top five and in control of their Champions League fate. A win at home will ensure a return to Europe’s top competition. A draw might still be enough depending on other results.

4. Nottingham Forest v Chelsea

Forest, sitting seventh, host fifth-placed Chelsea in a massive showdown. A Forest win could see them leapfrog Chelsea, potentially knocking the Blues out of the European spots — depending on goal difference and other results. Nuno Santo’s side would require at least one of Newcastle or Aston Villa to lose their match against Everton and Man United, respectively to have a real chance of making it to the Champions League.

Meanwhile, if Enzo Maresca’s side draw with Nottingham Forest, they would either need Aston Villa to lose their match against Manchester United or Newcastle United to not win their match.l against Everton.

5. Tottenham v Brighton

With Spurs already guaranteed Champions League football via their Europa League win, Brighton are chasing a top-eight finish. They need at least a point to stay ahead of Brentford for a possible Conference League slot.

What’s at Stake?

Champions League: 3rd to 5th places still in contention
Europa League: 6th place assured; others depend on cup results
Conference League: Still up for grabs — especially if Brighton or Brentford finish 8th and Chelsea miss out
All matches kick off at 4pm Nigeria time on Sunday, and with so many permutations, expect drama until the final whistle.

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

1 week ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Sports

Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos announced in a statement cited by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately withdrawn from all team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A club said on Saturday.

Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be out of action and did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Neymar is already set to miss Thursday’s league match at Fortaleza due to suspension.

That Fortaleza game will be Santos’ final fixture before the Brazilian league pauses for the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

The former Barcelona forward’s future with Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

Limited by injury, Neymar has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying three goals and three assists.

Sports

Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe

Published

1 week ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially turned down a fifth offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, reaffirming his desire to remain in Europe.

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) handle, journalist Buchi Laba. Laba revealed that Osimhen has shut the door on any potential move to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the financial incentives.

“Victor Osimhen officially rejects Al Hilal 5th offer,” Laba wrote. “He has decided to not move there no matter the money offered. Case closed.”

Osimhen, who has been a subject of transfer speculation in recent months, appears to be in no rush to make a decision about his next move.

Sources close to the player suggest that his main priority is to continue his career in Europe, where he feels more competitively challenged.

“Main priority is to stay back in Europe,” Laba added, noting that “a top Italian club [is] very interested and other European clubs” are also keeping tabs on the Nigerian forward.

The 26-year-old Napoli star has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A.

However, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate the best sporting project before making his next move.

Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season and also helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell in Turkey last season.