Sports

Isak Breaks Silence, Insists On Leaving Newcastle; Club Disagree

Published

3 weeks ago

August 20, 2025

Alexander Isak believes his departure from Newcastle is “in the best interests of everyone” after breaking his silence on the saga of the Premier League transfer window amid speculation over a move to Liverpool.

The Swedish international, who was the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, has not featured for the Magpies in pre-season or their opening game of the campaign, a 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid ($149 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million.

Isak released a statement on Tuesday after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers’ Association awards event despite being selected in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year.

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“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors,” Isak posted on Instagram.

“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.

“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”

According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for northeast side Newcastle to hold off due to pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules.

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Newcastle responded with a statement late Tuesday saying that while they were saddened by Isak’s comments, they could yet welcome the 25-year-old back into the squad.

“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the club wrote. “We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.

“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.”

The statement added: “This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”

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Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, including the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year that ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy.

Liverpool have already spent around £300 million overhauling a squad that romped to the Premier League title last season.

But they have also recouped over £200 million in sales and are still in the market for attacking options after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and tragic death of Diogo Jota.

Any deal is unlikely to be done before the two clubs face off in their next Premier League game on Monday at St James’ Park.

Sports

2026 World Cup: All You Need To Know About South Africa Vs Nigeria Match

Published

4 days ago

September 8, 2025

Editor

The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein will take centre stage on Tuesday as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana host the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

With Group C reaching its climax, both teams are under pressure to get a result. South Africa aims to solidify its position at the top of the group, while Nigeria is desperate for a win to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

Current standings

Bafana Bafana lead the group on 16 points after sweeping aside Lesotho 3-0 in their last outing. Nigeria trails in third with 10 points, just one shy of Benin Republic, who sit second. On Sunday, the Eagles narrowly edged Rwanda 1-0 to stay in the race.

Eagles under pressure

Nigeria’s inconsistent form—only two wins in five matches—means this tie could prove pivotal. Adding to the challenge, Hugo Broos’ South Africa are on a three-match unbeaten run at home and have won three qualifiers in a row.

Injury watch and key battles

The availability of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain after the striker suffered a knock against Rwanda.

Historically, Nigeria hold a slight edge in the rivalry with two wins in their last seven meetings.

Still, the South Africa team has been tough to beat on home soil, avoiding defeat in their last three games against the Eagles, including a 1-1 stalemate in 2024.

Rivalry

Nigeria’s last away win against South Africa came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Securing another statement victory on Tuesday would provide a huge boost to their qualification hopes.

Kickofft

The clash kicks off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Fans can follow the action live on SuperSport, SportyBet TV, and AfroSport.

Sports

Why I Won’t Let My Siblings Play In NPFL —Ex-Eagles Midfielder Haruna Lukman

Published

4 days ago

September 8, 2025

Editor

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Haruna Lukman , has stated that he will never recommend any of his siblings to play in the Nigerian league.

Speaking during an interview on The Abu Azeez Podcast and sighted by PUNCH Online on Monday, the ex-Nigerian international said the Nigerian league is characterised by match fixing, citing a recent match between Rivers FC against Ikorodu City.

“The Nigerian Premier League is very poor, I am very sorry to say. They do not respect the senior ones who played in Europe, because coming down to play in Nigeria, they need to show us some respect. It is not easy to win something abroad, and when you decide to come back home to play, they offer you peanuts.

“For me Nigerian league is out of it, because I don’t see the Nigerian league as a league. I watched a competition they played at Onikan, it was my first time witnessing it. I went to watch Rivers against Ikorodu City. I sat down at the VIP and witnessed all sorts of match fixing by the referees, favouring one team against the other. I can’t advise any of my siblings or any of my siblings to play in the Nigerian league, ” he said.

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Having played professionally in Europe, the individual expected a degree of respect, recognition, and fair treatment upon returning to Nigeria, but instead encountered a disappointing and disheartening environment.

The former AS Monaco star also revealed shocking details of the crisis that rocked Nigeria’s camp during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, stressing that the Super Eagles lacked unity and discipline both on and off the pitch.

“At the 2010 World Cup, it wasn’t just about football. There were serious issues. Some players fought physically, others spiritually. We didn’t play as a team. Everyone wanted to shine individually,” Haruna revealed.

Nigeria, coached then by Swedish tactician Lars Lagerbäck, crashed out of the group stage after failing to win any of their three matches, drawing once and losing twice.

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Haruna insisted that the problems were beyond tactics, stressing that disunity and personal interests overshadowed national pride.

“We attacked each other spiritually. It was so bad that you could feel the disconnection on the pitch. That’s why we failed,” he added.

The Super Eagles’ 2010 campaign remains one of the most disappointing in Nigeria’s World Cup history, and Haruna’s revelations shed new light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil that contributed to the poor outing.

Sports

FULL LIST: 17 Nations Secure 2026 FIFA World Cup Spots

Published

4 days ago

September 8, 2025

Editor

As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 17 nations from around the world have officially secured their places in football’s most prestigious tournament. With the expanded 48-team format, qualification has taken on new intensity, and several countries have already emerged from their regional qualifiers victorious.

The three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—earned automatic qualification, setting the stage for an unprecedented North American joint-hosting.

This historic collaboration marks the first time the World Cup will be hosted across three countries, promising a diverse and wide-reaching celebration of the global game.

In Asia, Japan became the first team to secure qualification on March 20, 2025, followed closely by Iran on March 25. New Zealand clinched Oceania’s guaranteed spot with a decisive 3–0 victory over New Caledonia on March 24.

South America, as expected, saw heavyweights seal their places. Argentina qualified after a crucial draw between Uruguay and Bolivia on March 25. Later, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia booked their places between June and early September, ensuring strong representation from the continent.

Of the countries on the radar, Australia remains the only nation yet to confirm qualification. The Socceroos are still fighting for a spot in the Asian qualifying rounds.

Current List of qualified nations

USA – Qualified (Host)
Mexico – Qualified (Host)
Canada – Qualified (Host)
Japan – Qualified (March 20, 2025)
New Zealand – Qualified (March 24, 2025)
Iran – Qualified (March 25, 2025)
Jordan qualified from Asia
South Korea qualified from Asia
Uzbekistan Qualified from Asia

Australia – Qualified (June 5, 2025)
Brazil – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
Ecuador – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
Uruguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Paraguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Colombia – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Argentina qualified in early September
Morocco qualified as the first country from CAF

With qualification ongoing in several confederations, the focus now shifts to Europe, Africa, and the remaining Asian teams. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the final list, promising an exciting 2026 World Cup filled with new rivalries and thrilling showdowns.