Sports

EPL Final Day: 5 Matches That Could Impact European Qualification

Published

5 months 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

[FULL LIST] U-17 W’ World Cup: Nigeria Face Italy As Knockout Stage Begins

Published

5 hours ago

October 26, 2025

Editor

The knockout phase of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Flamingos drawn against Italy in one of the standout Round of 16 fixtures.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Olympique de Rabat, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. Nigeria.

Their qualification follows an emphatic 4–0 victory over Samoa in Rabat on Saturday.

The Flamingos will now aim to build on their impressive group-stage campaign as they continue their push for a historic first world title.

Host nation Morocco will also be in action the same evening, taking on South Korea at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Sale, where home fans are expected to create a charged atmosphere in support of the Atlas Lionesses.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brazil will battle China PR, while the United States square off against the Netherlands, both matches slated for 4:30 p.m. in Sale.

The game continues on Wednesday, October 29, with Mexico facing Paraguay at 4:30 p.m., while defending champions Spain meet France in a mouthwatering all-European clash at the same time and venue.

Later that night, Canada will take on Zambia, and Japan, one of the tournament’s top contenders, will lock horns with Colombia to round off the Round of 16 fixtures.

All matches will be staged across venues in Rabat and Sale, with global coverage available via major sports networks and FIFA’s digital platforms.

As the competition enters its decisive stage, only four wins now separate the remaining 16 teams from lifting the prestigious U-17 Women’s World Cup trophy.

Eight winning teams in the round of 16 will move to the quarter-final stage starting Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Full Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brazil U17 vs China PR U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

United States U17 vs Netherlands U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Italy U17 vs Nigeria U17 – 8:00 PM (Stade Olympique de Rabat, Rabat)

South Korea U17 vs Morocco U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2, Sale)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Mexico U17 vs Paraguay U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 3, Sale)

Spain U17 vs France U17 – 4:30 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Canada U17 vs Zambia U17 – 8:00 PM (Mohammed VI Football Academy, Sale)

Japan U17 vs Colombia U17 – 8:00 PM (Venue TBC)

Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…