Tino Livramento is set to delay any decision on a new contract until nearer the end of the season.

Informal talks have taken place this month and sporting director Ross Wilson has a good relationship with all involved, but Livramento’s camp are minded to wait before committing to a new deal.

His current terms expire in 2028 and there is a want from Newcastle’s end to extend the length of his stay with an improved package, given his form and emergence as an England international.

The 23-year-old, who has won three caps for his country, is happy on Tyneside and recognises the improvement made under Eddie Howe and his coaching staff. But with Manchester City retaining a strong interest, there is a feeling that the player will leave his options open for the time being. 

City are known to have done extensive scouting work on Livramento and, with Pep Guardiola using midfielder Matheus Nunes and centre half Abdukodir Khusanov at right back this season, an approach is expected in 2026.

Should Newcastle recover their league position to finish in the Champions League places, Livramento could determine that a new deal and continued development at St James’ Park is the best way forward. For now, dialogue remains open, but the defender’s long-term future is uncertain.

Manchester City retain a strong interest in Tino Livramento, and there is a feeling that the player will leave his options open for the time being

Livramento has become a key man for Newcastle and won three England caps since moving to Tyneside in 2023

French star on Toon radar 

Newcastle’s scouting team are keen on Auxerre midfielder Kevin Danois, and are keeping close tabs ahead of the January and summer transfer windows.

Nothing is active in terms of an approach, but the recruitment team have watched the 21-year-old closely and have been taken by his technical skill and tenacity. He is said to be comfortable on the ball, hard-working and athletic, with the attributes to play across the midfield.

Bournemouth, a club renowned for unearthing gems from the continent in recent years, tried to sign Guadeloupe-born Danois in the summer but had an offer of around £10million rejected. His development has continued in Ligue 1 this season and the France Under 21 international scored his first goal of the campaign during last weekend’s 3-1 win over Metz.

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit remains Newcastle’s top midfield target, but given the competition for the 19-year-old, work is being done on others of a similar profile with a high ceiling for improvement.

Kevin Danois celebrates scoring his first goal of the season last weekend, for Auxerre in their 3-1 win over Metz

Howe’s winning formula for the derby

Eddie Howe will replicate what he hopes is a winning formula in preparation for Sunday’s derby against Sunderland.

It was two weeks ago at Everton that Newcastle recorded their first away win of the Premier League season, on the back of a midweek Champions League fixture in Marseille.

Howe made a tweak to the normal schedule by training the day after the game, despite returning to the UK in the early hours. He then allowed his players a full day of rest two days out from the trip to Merseyside. They responded with a 4-1 victory.

And Confidential can reveal Howe is sticking to a winning formula. Newcastle’s players trained on Thursday after getting to bed at around 3am following the flight back from Leverkusen. They will be given Friday off before training on Saturday.

Rather than stay in a hotel, the squad will be at home on Saturday night before travelling to the Stadium of Light by coach from the club’s training ground.

Sunday will be the first Premier League derby since 2016, and Newcastle are aiming to end a 14-year wait for a league victory over their rivals – having also beaten them 3-0 in the FA Cup in January 2024.

Ryan Taylor’s winner in August 2011 remains the most recent time that Newcastle beat Sunderland in a league game

Though they did seal a euphoric and comprehensive 3-0 victory in the FA Cup third round two seasons ago

Tindall’s tipples 

Jason Tindall is among the investors in a new cafe and wine bar that is likely to prove popular with Newcastle’s players and staff.

Say When on Gosforth High Street opened last weekend with assistant boss Tindall joined by the likes of Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar and Aaron Ramsdale.

The eatery is located in the upmarket Gosforth suburb that is home to several of the Magpies contingent. Indeed, the likes of Sandro Tonali, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and others are regularly seen in coffee shops and restaurants in the area.

But maybe it will be that Tindall pulls rank and makes Say When their first port of call from now on…

The drinks are on Jason Tindall (right) after he invested in a new cafe and wine bar

Pope’s still No 1  

Howe will give serious consideration to starting Nick Pope at the Stadium of Light, should the goalkeeper prove his fitness in the next 48 hours.

The word all week has been that Pope has a good chance of recovering from a groin problem in time for the trip to Wearside.

He suffered the injury the day before the trip to Everton on November 29, when there was speculation that he could be dropped for Ramsdale. It is thought Pope would have started had he been fit.

Ramsdale has deputised during the last four matches and Newcastle are unbeaten in that time. However, if Pope is available, there is a strong chance the No 1 will be restored to the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will know more on the extent of Joelinton’s groin injury picked up at Leverkusen in the next 24 hours, but the feeling was he should be OK. Likewise Yoane Wissa, who could only manage a few minutes in Germany after being hit by illness this week.

Botman, Trippier, Emil Krafth and Will Osula remain sidelined.

Aaron Ramsdale (left) has started Newcastle’s last four games since Nick Pope (right) suffered a groin injury and they are unbeaten in that time 

Murphy’s lure?

Newcastle defender Alex Murphy is set for talks with the club over the possibility of heading out on loan in January.

The 21-year-old has been around the squad all season but has managed just a few minutes of action, during the Carabao Cup win over Bradford in September.

Murphy spent the second half of last season on loan at Bolton and there is a feeling among some that his development would be aided by again playing matches in the EFL.

The concern for Howe would be that Murphy provides cover at left back, where Lewis Hall is currently first-choice and building fitness after injury.

Alex Murphy (left) has been in and around the first team without getting much game time this season

TOON TEASER

Finally, it’s Toon Teaser time.

Our last puzzler, ahead of the trip to Everton, was… name the SIX direct transfers between the clubs since 1992-93 (it did not include Dan Gosling, who was a free agent after leaving Everton).

The answers were; Peter Beardsley, Duncan Ferguson, Anthony Gordon, Marc Hottiger, Alessandro Pistone and Gary Speed.

This week, can you name the NINETEEN players to have appeared for Newcastle and Sunderland since 1992-93? I really struggled with this one…

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Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has unveiled a powerful 28-man squad for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.

Regragui included some of the country’s biggest stars including Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri in the squad.

Hakimi, who is still recuperating from an ankle is expected to miss the opening matches.

Notable stars like Noussair Mazraoui, Brahim Diaz, Nayef Aguerd and Ayoub El Kaabi also made the list.

One name missing from the main squad is Sofiane Diop, who was involved in November’s fixtures but has been omitted.

Morocco are drawn in Group A with  Comoros, Mali and Zambia.

The Atlas Lions will face Comoros in the competition’s opening game on Sunday, 21 December.

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Are you seeking the latest Complete Sports updates from? Do you follow the Super Eagles”on their journey to AFCON 2025? Stay informed with all the top stories and analysis! 🤔⚽

Topics Discussed in Video;
* Super Eagles Of Nigeria Set For Pre-AFCON Friendly Match Against The Pharaohs Of Egypt
* Will the friendly game against Egypt test the mettle of the Eagles ahead of the tournament in Morocco?
* Stanley Nwabali Doubtful For AFCON 2025 With Injury

Related: Assessment Of The Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON Provisional Squad List

USEFUL LINKS

Le Roy: Senegal, Not Nigeria Are Second Big Favourite To Win AFCON 2025
✅ https://www.completesports.com/le-roy-senegal-not-nigeria-are-second-big-favourite-to-win-afcon-2025/

AFCON 2025: FIFA’s Decision To Allow European Clubs Release African Players On December 15 Unfair –Broos
✅ https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-fifas-decision-to-allow-european-clubs-release-african-players-on-december-15-unfair-broos/

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When Paul Warne walked through the doors at MK Dons in mid-April, he took over a club staring at the abyss.

Sitting precariously in 19th in League Two, the Dons had endured a hugely disappointing campaign under Mike Williamson and then Scott Lindsey, and faced the unthinkable prospect of dropping out of the Football League for the first time since their formation in 2004. Lindsey, poached from League One Crawley Town just months earlier, had presided over a run of 11 losses in 16 games. 

It was a season which few predicted. A little under a year before Warne’s arrival, the Dons finished fourth in League Two, before a 5-1 home drubbing by Lindsey’s Crawley sent them crashing out of the play-offs. The club evidently struggled to recover from such a resounding defeat and Lindsey could not transfer his magic touch. 

But the appointment of Warne was an ambitious one. This was a manager who’d been at Championship side Derby County only two months earlier, with four Football League promotions to his name. Under his guidance, the Dons tightened up and avoided the drop, with four clean sheets from four to finish the campaign. It was a sign of things to come.

Now, sitting fifth in League Two and six points off the top, there’s only one ambition for MK Dons – to win the title. 

‘I think we’ve actually underperformed,’ says striker Callum Paterson, a former Scotland international who joined from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer. ‘All the boys are on the same wavelength as me, but to be sitting where we are in the league is good. 

When Paul Warne arrived at MK Dons in mid-April, he took over a club facing the dreaded prospect of dropping out of the Football League

But just eight months on and the Dons find themselves fifth in League Two and targeting promotion

Forward Callum Paterson has been key to the club’s success after signing from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer

‘There’s a lot of room for improvement and the aim is to win the league, to get this club back to where it deserves to be.’ 

Paterson has been a crucial part of the Dons’ success story so far this season, scoring five and assisting five on a run which has seen the club lose just two games since mid-September. 

‘It’s been a good start,’ he says of his first few months in Milton Keynes. ‘To go from Sheffield Wednesday, where I wasn’t playing much the last couple of years, to somewhere I’m more appreciated and valued has been good. It’s nice to bring the family down here.’ 

Paterson netted 31 goals in 186 appearances for the Owls but fell out of favour under Danny Rohl, whom he admits he ‘didn’t get on with’ last season. The 31-year-old left the club with offers from the Championship, League One and abroad on the table, which he rejected to make the move south to Milton Keynes. 

The reason for his decision? A convincing coffee with Warne last summer.

‘It was turbulent with the goings-on behind the scenes (at Wednesday) but it was more like, I didn’t get on with the manager, he didn’t value me or appreciate me or have time for anything I wanted to get across. 

‘It was Paul who brought me here. I met him for a coffee in Costa in the off-season and he convinced me to sign.

‘I couldn’t see anyone else giving me that sort of spiel, he was really good at getting his points across. 

‘He told me the aim is to get promoted and win the league and asked if I want to be a part of that journey. Obviously I do. I’ve been promoted from the Championship and League One so it’s time to make it a hat-trick. League One and beyond… I didn’t come here to play League Two football.’

Former Scotland international Paterson was convinced to drop down to League Two by Warne

The Dons boss told Paterson over a coffee that his side would challenge for the title this season

Warne was backed with 10 new recruits in the summer, many of whom boast League One, Championship and even Premier League experience.

Striker Aaron Collins was poached after an impressive stint at Bolton, midfielder Will Collar from high-flying Stockport, while top scorer Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who played in the top flight for Cardiff, was convinced to make the step down from Derby.

The new additions settled in seamlessly, with the Dons unbeaten in their first five league games. In particular, a thumping 5-0 victory over Cheltenham Town in August laid down a marker. 

A minor blip saw Warne’s side suffer consecutive home losses to Walsall, Grimsby Town and Accrington Stanley but they soon recovered and lost just one league game across October and November.

The confidence and belief in the Dons camp is sky-high. Only this week midfielder Liam Kelly even claimed that most sides in League One would be envious of the club’s strength in depth.

Yet the new recruits put their form down to the work of Warne, who Paterson says treats his players ‘like humans’ rather than commodities.

The 52-year-old former Derby and Rotherham boss runs from the club’s training centre to Stadium MK after every session, just to prove that he’s not a hypocrite for making his squad do the hard yards. 

‘He treats us like humans and we’re all on a level playing field,’ Paterson adds, in a seemingly pointed message to his former manager in Sheffield. ‘The manager isn’t on a pedestal, the staff aren’t above the players or a different entity. 

Dons have lost just two games since mid-September after riding out a blip where they lost three straight home games

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, the club’s top scorer, has bagged seven league goals this term

‘We’re all sort of one team. The way that he speaks to us is like he’s one of our team-mates and we can speak to him back. He’s approachable and will take in whatever you suggest.’ 

Warne’s Dons are a far more direct, but effective, side than they were last term under Williamson and Lindsey. The 231 successful passes per 90 they average is over 200 fewer than last season and their possession stats have dropped by some 10 percentage points from the 59 per cent they boasted in 2024-25.

The change in style suits Warne’s preferred front two of Mendez-Laing and Paterson down to a tee. It’s little surprise that with that duo up top, who played together in the Premier League for Cardiff, the Dons have scored more League Two goals (37) than anyone.

‘We have a great partnership,’ Paterson says. ‘He’s been at three of the four clubs I’ve played for in my career, so it made the move here more appealing for sure. 

‘Being a nine or a 10 in this team, you’re a focal point of Warne’s philosophy – getting the ball in the box and creating opportunities for the strikers. On a personal note, I’m not far off 100 career goals now, which has been an aim for me for a while. So that’s the goal now.’

In a game which Warne felt his side were unlucky to lose, the Dons missed a golden opportunity to go top of the table on Tuesday night at Notts County. 

With a crucial festive period on the horizon, Dons are vying to prove they’re not going to play things safe

The defeat comes at a tricky time, given the daunting fixture list that the Dons face before the end of the year, in which they will play three of the top six.

Yet it’s a challenge which the club’s ambitious new cohort plan to tackle head first. After all, these are the games which will determine their fate come the start of May.

‘We’ve got plenty of ways of playing and we need to turn it up a notch,’ Paterson insists. 

‘We need to put a marker down and let everyone know that we’re not here to play things safe.’

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Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, and former world champion Amir Khan have issued serious warnings to Jake Paul ahead of his heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua on 19 December in Miami.

Ali, whose grandfather suffered Parkinson’s disease linked to years of punishment in the ring, said he fears for Paul’s well-being as the fight approaches.

Speaking to SunSport, he stressed the reality of what the 28-year-old American is about to face.

“It’s very dangerous for Jake Paul. People think a lot of his fights are rigged and whatnot. Boxing is not rigged, it’s very dangerous,” Ali said. “You should be just watching out, keeping an eye out on Jake, praying for Jake, it’s dangerous. Boxing’s a serious thing.”

Ali, 26, reminded fans that the risks extend well beyond the final bell. “Boxing is not a game, you can’t play boxing. Boxing is very serious; injuries come later in your career, and people die in the ring. People sometimes don’t make it back home after the fight,” he stressed.

Khan also voiced strong concerns about the fight, insisting Paul may be stepping far beyond safe limits. He questioned whether the American team is offering the protection he needs.

“Someone like Jake Paul needs to be protected by his own team, no one’s really helping him in my opinion,” Khan told SunSport. “You can put the poor guy’s life on the line, and that one punch can always change your life. So let’s hope that he comes out of this fight in one piece because we know, we all know there’s only one winner in this fight.”

The professionally sanctioned bout will run for eight three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves. Joshua must weigh no more than 245lb. Paul has fought only once at heavyweight, beating 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November. Joshua returns to action after his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

Ali Walsh, who turned down $3 million to face Paul last year, fights on Friday against Ugandan Jeremiah Sserwadda with a 12-2-1 record.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Football isn’t just a sport in Africa-it’s a way of life that binds communities, inspires dreams, and fuels endless discussions. From bustling markets in Lagos to remote villages in Kenya, the game’s pulse beats strong. And with that passion comes an unmatched thirst for insights into upcoming matches. Africa leads the world in searches for free football predictions, outpacing even Europe and South America in volume per capita.

This isn’t surprising when you consider the continent’s deep-rooted love for the game combined with exploding digital access. Fans turn to predictions not just for fun, but to make smarter choices in their betting or fantasy leagues. Resources like those found on Mr. Tips provide structured guidance that resonates with this audience, offering daily breakdowns without any cost.

Why Africa Leads the World in Football Prediction Searches

Several intertwined factors explain this dominance.

Strong Football Culture Across the Continent

Local leagues like South Africa’s Premier Soccer League or Nigeria’s Professional Football League draw massive crowds and loyalty. International tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, amplify the excitement. European leagues add another layer-fans follow Premier League or La Liga stars from their own countries, turning every weekend into a prediction opportunity.

This cultural tie creates a constant need for forecasts, whether for casual chats or informed wagers.

Rapid Internet & Mobile Penetration

Affordable smartphones and data plans have revolutionized access. In many African nations, mobile penetration exceeds 80%, making online searches second nature. Fans can pull up predictions during a commute or while watching a local match.

Growth of Online Betting Markets

Licensed operators have expanded rapidly, offering apps tailored to African users. This has spiked interest in guided predictions to reduce risk and boost enjoyment.

Why Free Football Predictions Are Especially Popular

Cost matters in a region where economic pressures vary widely.

Read Also: Celtic Coach Reveals Iheanacho Comeback Plan

Economic Factors

Many fans seek no-cost resources to stretch their entertainment budget. Predictions help minimize losses by highlighting value bets or likely outcomes.

Preference for Quick & Digestible Information

Daily tips, accumulators, and simple win/draw/win forecasts fit busy lifestyles. Fans want actionable insights without deep dives.

Trust in Community-Based or Expert-Based Tipsters

Social media groups and WhatsApp channels share crowd-sourced predictions. Expert platforms build loyalty through consistent accuracy.

The Role of Prediction Websites

Good sites stand out by delivering reliable, easy-to-use content.

What Users Expect From a Good Prediction Platform

– Transparency in methodology

– Trackable accuracy over time

– User-friendly interfaces

– Data-backed reasoning, not just guesses

The Importance of High-Quality Free Tips

They build engagement and educate beginners on betting logic. For example, explaining why a team might exceed expected goals helps fans make their own calls.

Popular Types of Predictions Searched in Africa

– Correct score forecasts

– Over/under goals

– Both teams to score (BTTS)

– Accumulator suggestions

– “Sure odds” with a note on realism

Country-by-Country Breakdown

Country
Key Drivers
Popular Prediction Types

Nigeria
Massive youth population, mobile betting
Accumulators, BTTS

Kenya
Strong local leagues, tech-savvy users
Over/under, correct score

Ghana
Passion for European clubs
Win/draw/win, multis

South Africa
Established betting infrastructure
Value bets, props

Tanzania
Growing online access
Daily tips, sure odds

Uganda
Community betting groups
Accumulators, underdogs

 

Each market reflects local tastes, but the demand for free, reliable info is universal.

Challenges African Users Face With Football Predictions

Misinformation and Scammers

Fake “fixed match” sellers prey on eager fans. Stick to platforms with verifiable records.

Lack of Data Transparency

Some predictions lack backing stats. Look for sites using metrics like those on Wikipedia’s association football tactics page for context.

Bookmaker Limitations & Odds Variation

Varying rules across operators can complicate applying tips.

How Reliable Prediction Platforms Provide Value

Data Analytics & Statistics

Using xG, form streaks, and head-to-head data ensures grounded forecasts.

Expert Insights

Blending stats with tactical knowledge adds depth.

Consistent Formatting & User Experience

Mobile-friendly designs make daily checks effortless.

Mobile-Friendly Tools & Calculators

From odds converters to bankroll trackers, these extras empower smarter decisions.

The Future of Football Prediction Demand in Africa

As AI tools evolve and mobile tech advances, predictions will become more personalized and accurate. Sophisticated betting habits will grow, with fans demanding even higher-quality free resources.

Conclusion

Africa’s unmatched search volume for free football predictions stems from a perfect storm of cultural passion, digital growth, and betting expansion. It’s not just about winning-it’s about enhancing the joy of the game through informed engagement.

For those seeking daily guidance, platforms offering free soccer tips can be a great starting point. As the continent’s football ecosystem matures, this demand will only intensify, shaping a more analytical fanbase.

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Modern football, as we all know by now, is too expensive, too corporate and too soulless. It’s a far cry from the game we grew up loving. And just wait until the World Cup comes around with its dynamic ticket prices and three-minute ad breaks.

Look hard enough, though, and there is still joy to be found beyond the concrete jungles, identikit stadiums and £6 pints. Know where to adventure and you can still find the quirks and character of the beautiful game.

Steve Broughton knows where to look. The 57-year-old is what’s known as a ‘groundhopper’, someone who spends their days travelling to as many different places across the country, and the world, to watch football.

Forget ‘Doing the 92’. Steve has visited a staggering 5,630 grounds and travelled almost a million miles, in a hobby that’s stretched more than 40 years and sees him take in around 150 new grounds per season.

He’s watched matches on pitches built into former quarries and clay pits, ones surrounded by Elizabethan town walls, ones in the shadows of Ben Nevis and Hebridean islands, ones where the kick-off times are dictated by the ferry timetable, and ones where a line of field guns stand behind the goal.

Steve was born in Leicester, a Foxes fan, but grew up in London. One Saturday afternoon in his mid-teens, with nothing better to do, he went along to watch his local non-league side Feltham. ‘They lost 4-0, but I was hooked,’ he tells Daily Mail Sport.

Steve Broughton has visited a staggering 5,630 grounds and travelled almost a million miles, in a hobby that’s stretched more than 40 years

The 57-year-old is what’s known as a ‘groundhopper’, someone who spends their days travelling to as many different places across the country, and the world, to watch football

He started to visit other local non-league clubs when Feltham weren’t playing and, when he moved to college in Hampshire, decided that visiting a new ground each Saturday was more fun than returning to the same place over and over again. He was now officially a groundhopper.

‘I love watching football but I also love travelling and visiting new places – everywhere has something interesting about it,’ he says. ‘And of course I enjoy the “collecting” aspect of ticking things off lists.

‘Non-league football has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, as more supporters turn away from the overpriced and overhyped professional game. It is affordable football – many of the games I go to are free to watch. Groundhopping allows you to see the country, and even the world.’

Steve makes it clear that he’s not claiming any sort of record, mind you. ‘I know of people who have been to more… albeit not many.’

Now living in Prestwich, north of Manchester, he added another couple to his tally this past weekend with a trip to the North East for a Saturday double-header.

He spent the morning watching a 2-2 draw between Stockton Athletic Church and St John’s Church Snods Edge in the North East Christian Fellowship League – he was the sole spectator – before a 30-mile drive for Barnard Castle at home to Seaton Carew in the Alan Hood Charity Cup semi-finals. His eyesight was fine enough to see Barnard Castle win 4-1.

Those two matches took his running total to 5,630. For nearly 15 years, he’s posted about every one on his blog. And for those who may wish to make their own pilgrimages to escape the emptiness of the modern game, these are his 20 must-see grounds, in his own words…

1. The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Opened: 1755 Home to: Berwick Charities Cup Capacity: However many can squeeze onto the grass bank

If you go past The Stanks at any time other than spring and early summer, you’d never know it was a football ground. But for a few weeks at the very end of the football season a pitch is marked out, goalposts are erected, and it becomes the venue of the annual Berwick Charities Cup.

Competing teams are a mixed bag of established clubs and teams put together just to take part in the tournament. They play on a pitch that’s overlooked by Berwick’s Elizabethan town walls. If you’ve a head for heights, and you take care, there’s a good view from the top of the wall. You’ll even find some benches to sit on.

The cup has been run each year since 1948. Spectators usually gather in numbers (there were close on a hundred the day I went) and their donations help the charities the tournament is there to support.

If you go past The Stanks at any time other than spring and early summer, you’d never know it was a football ground

But for a few weeks at the very end of the football season a pitch is marked out, goalposts are erected, and it becomes the venue of the annual Berwick Charities Cup

The pitch is overlooked by Berwick’s Elizabethan town walls, and you can look out to the North Sea too

2. Cathkin Park, Glasgow

Opened: 1884 Home to: Third Lanark AFC Capacity: 50,000 once upon a time… not so much now!

Some old grounds appear almost haunted by the players and supporters of years gone by. Cathkin Park was home to Scottish club Third Lanark until they went out of business in the 1960s.

Remarkably, the pitch has survived the decades since, as has some of the terracing from where spectators would once have watched ‘The Hi-Hi’ – Third Lanark’s nickname – compete against the like of Celtic and Rangers. In the early 20th century they were serious players at the top of Scottish football, winning the title in 1904 and the Scottish Cup twice.

It’s mostly used for youth football these days, but I was lucky enough to see an adult match there a few years ago in one of Glasgow’s Saturday morning amateur leagues, as United Clydebank Supporters beat Hampden FC 5-2.

Watching from the terracing, leaning on crush barriers (which are, I think, a more recent addition by those determined to preserve what remains of the stadium) was an eerie experience.

Some old grounds, like Glasgow’s Cathkin Park, appear almost haunted by the players and supporters of years gone by

The pitch has survived the decades since Third Lanark’s heyday in the 1960s, as has some of the terracing from where spectators would once have watched ‘The Hi-Hi’

3. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Opened: 2019 Home to: Tottenham Hotspur Capacity: 62,850

My real love of groundhopping is based on visiting quirky places for non-league football. Dutiful visits to the occasional new grounds in the Premier League or EFL can feel like a chore, but Tottenham’s new stadium is very much the exception.

When I went in 2020, a midweek FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough being the easiest way to get a ticket, I declared it the best ground in the UK, and up there with the best in Europe.

I’m sure that’s still the case. Most newer professional football grounds are so similar that, if it wasn’t for the colour of the seats, you could forget where you were.

But Spurs’ home is like no other. It’s built on a scale that’s even more remarkable when you consider that it had to be constructed on the same hemmed-in site as its predecessor White Hart Lane.

Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, built in 2019, is arguably the best ground in the UK and up there with the best in Europe

The 62,850-capacity arena hosts all sorts of events, including NFL matches (pictured), boxing bouts and concerts

4. Mallaig

Opened: 2006 Home to: Mallaig Capacity: C. 100-200

Artificial pitches enclosed by a high caged fence are the scourge of modern groundhopping. A series of identikit football grounds usually plonked in the grounds of a school or sports centre.

But Mallaig’s pitch, adjoining Mallaig High School, is different. No other such ground offers a comparable view. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can see across to the small Hebridean islands of Rum, Eigg and Muck.

Mallaig play in the West Highland Amateur League, a summer competition involving clubs from Skye and Scotland’s north-west coast. There’s no shortage of scenic venues.

My game there – a 4-3 home win over Portree, Skye’s capital – was on a Saturday morning, the kick-off time determined by the ferry schedule.

After the match the away team, the referee, my partner and I all headed straight to Mallaig’s ferry terminal to get the boat across to Skye. They were heading home, whereas we had another match to get to.

No other ground offers a comparable view to Mallaig’s. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can see across to the small Hebridean islands of Rum, Eigg and Muck

Mallaig play in the West Highland Amateur League, a summer competition involving clubs from Skye and Scotland’s north-west coast

5. Iodine Park, Millhead, Lancashire

Opened: 1950s at the latest Home to: Millhead FC Capacity: C. 300-400

Iodine Park is a perfect example of the idiosyncratic football venues that lurk in the lower leagues. It’s built in a former quarry, with the stone face behind one goal also popular with climbers.

The ground gets its Iodine Park name from the treatment given to the numerous cuts that players used to suffer in the 1950s and 60s, caused by bits of flint and stone.

At this level, players and fans can mix freely, even during the game. On my visit the ground’s one small stand was shared by supporters and substitutes.

If you don’t want to watch the action with those on the bench, you have the option of clambering up a grass bank on the far side.

Iodine Park was built in a former quarry, with the stone face behind one goal also popular with climbers

The ground gets its Iodine Park name from the treatment given to the numerous cuts that players used to suffer in the 1950s and 60s, caused by bits of flint and stone

If you don’t want to watch the action with those on the bench, you have the option of clambering up a grass bank on the far side

The ground is a perfect example of the idiosyncratic football venues that lurk in the lower leagues

6. The Oval, Belfast 

Opened: 1892 Home to: Glentoran Capacity: 26,556 

Glentoran’s ground is an absolute classic that ought to be on the Northern Ireland tourist trail alongside Belfast’s better-known landmarks. It’s close to the terraced streets of East Belfast, and, if you go on foot, you can also take in some of area’s famous murals.

Once inside the ground you can plonk yourself in a classic ‘old school’ main stand, steep open terracing behind both goals and, opposite the main stand, a covered area that was terraced back when I visited but now provides additional seating. You also get a great a view of another Belfast landmark, Harland and Wolff’s yellow Samson and Goliath cranes.

My visit in 1993 was only the second time I’d ever been to Northern Ireland. Being in the days before budget airlines, it involved an arduous overnight journey by coach and ferry. The Belfast of now is very different to back then but, despite some modernisation, The Oval remains mostly unchanged.

That said, plans for a redevelopment of the stadium are afoot, so if you want to see The Oval in its current glory, then try to go sooner rather than later.

Glentoran’s ground is an absolute classic that ought to be on the Northern Ireland tourist trail alongside Belfast’s better-known landmarks

Once inside the ground you can plonk yourself in a classic ‘old school’ main stand or the steep open terracing behind both goals

You get a great a view of another Belfast landmark, Harland and Wolff’s yellow Samson and Goliath cranes, from the ground

7. Glebe Park, Brechin

Opened: 1919 Home to: Brechin City FC Capacity: 4,083

You don’t go to football grounds to admire topiary but you can, sort of, at Brechin City’s Glebe Park. The ground’s boundary hedge hasn’t been pruned into the shape of anything other than a hedge, but it’s unique in Scotland’s senior leagues as it forms part of the boundary of the ground.

But that’s not all there is to admire at the club, currently in the Highland League and battling to regain their place in the SPFL. The main stand is delightful, and you can get a great view of the whole place from a large modern stand behind the goal.

I went for an opening day fixture in July, when a new-season lick of paint helped show off Glebe Park at its best, immediately making it one of my favourite football grounds. And, being in Scotland, even in the summer you can enjoy a pie and Bovril while watching the action.

The hedge at Glebe Park is unique in Scotland’s senior leagues as it forms part of the boundary of the ground

8. Armoury House, London

Opened: 1725 (as a cricket ground) Home to: The Honourable Artillery Company Capacity: C. 3,000 (of full Artillery Ground facility)

As far as I know there are no football grounds within the City of London, but the Honourable Artillery Company’s spiritual home, Armoury House, is as close as you can get. It’s in between City Road and Bunhill Row, and surrounded by gleaming office blocks that make it easy to miss.

Once inside – and, being a military establishment, you need to organise it in advance, no walk-ins – it’s a sports ground with space for a cricket square and three pitches, accommodating rugby as well as football. Tall city offices loom over the pitch, while a line of field guns behind one goal must be unique.

Honourable Artillery Company (or HAC as they’re usually known) don’t often get to play home games at Armoury House, but when they do it’s a venue that’s well worth a visit. As long as you get your name on the list before you turn up.

Armoury House is in between City Road and Bunhill Row, and surrounded by gleaming office blocks that make it easy to miss

Tall city offices loom over the pitch, while a line of field guns behind one goal must be unique

9. Mount Hale, Alderney

Opened: Early 20th century at the latest Home to: Alderney FC, Alderney Official Football Team Capacity: C. 1,500

I can’t think of any other UK football grounds that are a pleasant stroll from the local airport. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Alderney airport, through the island’s ‘capital’ St Anne, to Mount Hale, home of Alderney FC.

Alderney’s big football fixture each season is the island’s home Muratti Vase semi-final against either Jersey or Guernsey.

Apart from 1920, when Alderney got a bye to the final and upset the odds by winning it, the prize has always gone to one of the big two. In fact, Alderney haven’t won a Muratti Vase tie since their 1920 triumph.

My partner and I tried to visit for the semi-final against Guernsey in 2011, only to be scuppered when our plane suffered a technical fault on the runway at Manchester Airport.

Instead, we rebooked for a few weeks later, and went to see the island’s one league team, then called Bavaria Nomads due sponsorship a deal. These days they play as Alderney FC, but are still in Guernsey’s second division, competing against the reserve sides of clubs from the bigger island’s top flight.

It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Alderney airport, through the island’s ‘capital’ St Anne, to Mount Hale, home of Alderney FC

10. Cadbury Recreation Ground, Bournville

Opened: 1896 Home to: Cadbury Athletic FC Capacity: C. 1,500

Bournville was a model village built by the Quaker Cadbury family for the workers at its chocolate factory. Sport was seen as important to a healthy lifestyle, and so the residents/employees were provided with their own sports ground.

Its centrepiece, albeit a centrepiece positioned behind one goal, is a glorious timber-framed pavilion. It was built in 1902 to mark the coronation of Edward VII, and has been the backdrop to many a groundhopper’s action photos.

The ground, like all of Bournville, remains incredibly neat and tidy. One thing it lacks, and is unlikely to ever have, is floodlights. So, in need of a floodlit ground capable of staging football in higher leagues, Cadbury Athletic’s first team have this season decamped to another home ground. Their junior sides still use the venue though.

Every good ground feels even more special with a memorable game, and the 10-goal thriller I was lucky enough to see – a 6-4 win for Cadbury against Park Rangers in 1994 – made for a great afternoon’s entertainment.

There is a glorious timber-framed pavilion at the Cadbury Recreation Ground in Bournville, built in 1902 to mark the coronation of Edward VII

11. Victoria Bottoms, Nanpean

Opened: 1936 Home to: Nanpean Rovers AFC Capacity: C. 1,000

Cornwall’s Nanpean Rovers are a great example of an unassuming local non-league football club whose ground exceeds all expectations. 

There are plenty of scenic venues in the South West, often in or around the tourist hot spots, but few tourists head for industrial Cornwall, and fewer still to the former clay mining village of Nanpean.

Those who do are usually football tourists heading to Victoria Bottoms, where what was a china clay pit is now a football ground. 

It was apparently converted into a sporting venue by unemployed locals in the 1930s. Their hard work created a football ground surrounded by steep natural terracing. There are a couple of small stands, one at each end, a recently refurbished pavilion, and it’s one of the country’s most unusual venues.

Nanpean Rovers’ Victoria Bottoms ground used to be a clay pit – and is now one of the country’s most unusual venues

12. Cnoc Na Monadh, Eriskay

Opened: C. 1955 Home to: Eriskay FC Capacity: However many are on the island! 

I’ve never had a groundhopping bucket list, but if I did then Eriskay would have been on it. The tiny Hebridean island has a team that competes each summer in the Uist and Barra League, playing on a unique pitch that FIFA have recognised as one of their ‘eight remarkable places to play football’.

The tiny pitch seems to slope in all directions at once, and is at the heart of the island’s community. When Eriskay (population of about 150) play at home, the locals turn out to support them, and after the match everyone heads to the island’s sole pub, Am Politician, to discuss the action.

It took me three attempts before I finally saw a game at Cnoc Na Monadh, in 2023. I travelled for a cup tie that was switched to a pitch in Benbecula, and then a match was postponed just hours before kick off. There are worse places to have to return to though, and it was worth the effort to finally see a match there.

FIFA have recognised Eriskay FC’s pitch as one of their ‘eight remarkable places to play football’

The tiny pitch seems to slope in all directions at once, and is at the heart of the island’s community

It’s well worth the effort to see a match on the Hebridean island, with beautiful views all around

13. Champion Hill, London

Opened: 1992 Home to: Dulwich Hamlet Capacity: 3,000

Champion Hill has had two incarnations. The original ground, which I first visited in 1986, was a classic example of the type of large London non-league stadiums that are, sadly, a thing of the past. There was a seated stand on one side and terracing that was, by the 1980s, only sparsely populated.

Within a decade the ground had a makeover. The ‘new’ Champion Hill, which opened in 1992, is smaller in scale and unrecognisable from its predecessor. But what makes it a ground worth visiting now is the transformation in its support.

Whereas a few ageing diehards used to gather on the terraces, these days the club has tapped into the local community with an offer of affordable football that’s as much about a social gathering as watching the action.

My return visit was for a cup tie against a youthful Leyton Orient side, a low-key fixture with a smaller than normal crowd. But the place still had a buzz that was lacking back in 1986. Four figure crowds are now the norm for league games, and craft beers and excellent food make it a perfect antidote to the Premier League.

What makes Champion Hill a ground worth visiting now is the transformation in Dulwich Hamlet’s support since the 1980s

The club have tapped into the local community with an offer of affordable football that’s as much about a social gathering as watching the action

14. Wellesley Recreation Ground, Great Yarmouth

Opened: 1892 Home to: Great Yarmouth Town Capacity: 3,600

It’s the grandstand that makes Great Yarmouth’s Wellesley Recreation Ground a must-see football ground. It opened in 1892 and, unlike many football structures of a similar vintage, is still in use. It’s believed to be the oldest surviving football stand in England.

Its array of pillars means watching football from inside the stand can be a frustrating experience. But if you go to a Great Yarmouth Town home game you’ll really want to sit or stand on the opposite side, so you can admire its beauty as a fitting backdrop to the beautiful game.

As an added bonus, the ground is just a hefty sliced clearance from the beach.

It’s the grandstand that makes Great Yarmouth’s Wellesley Recreation Ground a must-see football ground – it’s believed to be the oldest surviving football stand in England

15. Gwynfi Welfare Ground, Blaengwynfi

Opened: 1901 Home to: Gwynfi United Capacity: C. 400-500

There’s no shortage of scenic football grounds in Wales. Gwynfi United’s home goes under the radar compared to some, probably because these days they play in the very lowest level of local football, the Port Talbot and District League.

I visited last season, tempted by a lunchtime kick-off that gave me the opportunity to visit a second game, and tick off a second ground, later the same day.

The club used to play several leagues higher, which is why the Gwynfi Welfare Ground – the name reveals the area’s mining heritage – is surprisingly well equipped. The pitch is tightly enclosed, and there’s a raised terrace and a small stand. The changing rooms are in a small building in the corner that also houses a snack bar.

But the standout feature is the setting. The ground sits high up on the edge of the village, and there are stunning views all around.

There’s no shortage of scenic football grounds in Wales and Gwynfi United’s home goes under the radar compared to some

There is much to like about the ground but the standout feature is the setting. It sits high up on the edge of the village, and there are stunning views all around

16. Claggan Park, Fort William

Opened: 1974 Home to: Fort William FC Capacity: 1,800

Fort William gets more than its fair share of tourists, no surprise given its location at the foot of Ben Nevis. The town’s football club gets plenty of visitors as well. Many were tempted north when the club achieved notoriety thanks to being dubbed, a few years ago, as ‘Britain’s worst football team’.

Competing in the Highland League, while out on a limb geographically and in an area where shinty is the number one sport, was a tough ask. The league’s bottom place became their own.

I saw them lose a cup tie, heavily, against a Shetland team whose journey, via ferry and coach, had been even more arduous than mine. These days Fort play in the more forgiving North Caledonian League.

Much like the town itself, Claggan Park is functional rather than beautiful. But, again like the town, it’s the views that are the attraction. On a clear day Ben Nevis looms over the pitch. On a less clear day, and chances are that’s what you’ll get during the football season, it feels wonderfully atmospheric.

The views at Fort William’s Claggan Park are beautiful – with Ben Nevis and the Grampian Mountains the main attraction  

17. Newlandsfield Park, Glasgow

Opened: 1928 Home to: Pollok FC Capacity: 2,088

Old-fashioned terraced football grounds used to be a staple of what was, until recently, called ‘junior football’ in Scotland. Junior football had nothing to do with the age of the players, and many junior clubs had crowds that lower division SPFL sides could only dream of, with playing budgets to match.

These days the old junior clubs have become absorbed into Scotland’s senior ranks, and some of the old grounds have been replaced by more modern, and less interesting, venues. But Pollok’s Newlandsfield Park remains, close to the centre of Glasgow and still – as far as I’m aware – without such modern luxuries as seats.

Instead, there’s terracing all around, including a large covered section. For years junior football was such a distinct entity that junior teams never entered the Scottish FA Cup, but by the 2000s that began to change. I saw Pollok lose narrowly, and unluckily, in a cup reply against Montrose, with nearly 2,000 people squeezed onto the terracing.

Pollok’s Newlandsfield Park is still going strong close to the centre of Glasgow and still without such modern luxuries as seats

18. Ironworks Ground, Tow Law

Opened: C. 1890 Home to: Tow Law Town Capacity: 3,000

No list of essential football grounds to visit would be complete without at least one in the North East. Tow Law’s Ironworks Ground may only be the second highest in England, after Buxton, but it lays claim to being the coldest.

It was originally built by striking miners in the Victorian era, but has been rebuilt and upgraded several times since then. These days there’s a seated stand on one side, cover behind the far goal and a clubhouse in which you can seek shelter from the weather.

Tow Law itself is a tiny County Durham town, with the football club at its heart. When they reached the FA Vase final at Wembley, in 1998, they took around 4,000 supporters – twice Tow Law’s population. And if that wasn’t enough, Chris Waddle used to play for them.

Tow Law’s Ironworks Ground was originally built by striking miners in the Victorian era, but has been rebuilt and upgraded several times since

19. Uig Football Pitch, Skye

Opened: N/A Home to: North West Skye FC Capacity: However many can squeeze onto the grass bank

Like most football fans I watch plenty of games on Sky, but watching on Skye is much more rewarding. My pick of the island’s venues is at Uig, on the north of the island.

It’s provided a home to various teams over the years. When I visited in 2000 it was to see North End FC. They’re now long gone, but these days the Uig pitch is home to a team called North West Skye. It’s just a pitch, but a pitch with a lovely view. If you time it right you can also watch the ferry departing for, or arriving from, North Uist.

There is a challenge to watching a game in Uig though… midges. They can descend in their millions and devour anyone standing pitch side. You have to be made of stern stuff to withstand their onslaught for 90 minutes.

The other standout memory of my visit for a game was a camper who had erected his tent on the pitch. He moved before kick-off of course, and presumably reclaimed his spot after the final whistle. Whether he coped with the midges I don’t know.

If you time it right at Uig you can also watch the ferry departing for, or arriving from, North Uist – though beware of the midges!

20. Number One Ground, Chatham

Opened: N/A Home to: Royal Engineers AFC Capacity: C.800

Few people realise that several Victorian era FA Cup winning clubs are still playing today and have grounds you can visit. 

Oxford University (1874 winners) still play university football, Old Etonians (1879 and 1882) and Old Carthusians (1881) compete against other public school old boys teams in the Arthurian League. And Royal Engineers (1875) play in forces football.

Of those the Sappers – as the Royal Engineers are known – have the best ground to visit. It may not be on the precise site of early FA Cup ties in the 1800s but it’s close enough. And, unlike some military venues, you can just walk up and go in to watch a game.

Of the Victorian era FA Cup winners, the Royal Engineers have the best ground to visit

The Number One Ground, Chatham, may not be on the precise site of those 1800s Cup ties – but it’s close enough

Most league matches, in the Army FA’s Massey Trophy, are on Friday mornings. The standard of football is surprisingly high, and Royal Engineers home games usually attract a handful of local enthusiasts, some military personnel, and the occasional groundhopper. 

When I went the hosts even offered those of us watching a half-time cuppa.

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Fresh controversy has erupted around the Cameroon national team after a report by The Sun alleged that Samuel Eto’o influenced the omission of Vincent Aboubakar from the Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The story claims Eto’o, who is president of the Cameroon Football Federation, stepped into the selection process to keep Aboubakar out of the team. According to the report, the decision was linked to fears that the veteran forward was close to surpassing Eto’o’s long-held national scoring record.

Eto’o remains the country’s top marksman with 56 goals in 118 matches. Aboubakar has scored 45 goals in 116 appearances and is viewed as the most likely player to overtake him.

The drama unfolded shortly after Eto’o secured another term in office. He dismissed the head coach and placed David Pagou in charge on an interim basis, barely three weeks before the 2025 AFCON.

Naija News reports that the squad announced under this new leadership excluded Aboubakar and also left out Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana, whose relationship with the federation has been widely perceived as tense.

Matters grew more chaotic when Bris, who had been sacked by the federation, insisted he still occupied the role of head coach. He submitted his own squad list to the sports ministry, including both Aboubakar and Onana, setting up a direct clash with the federation’s version.

The country has effectively slipped into a “dual-coach” situation, worsening concerns over its AFCON preparations. The dispute comes on the back of Cameroon missing out on qualification for next year’s World Cup during a period marked by domestic upheaval and footballing instability.

With the final squad deadline fixed for 11 December, government officials and federation representatives are holding urgent meetings in an attempt to settle the crisis before it derails the team’s chances at the tournament.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons dropped one spot in the latest women’s ranking released by the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, on Thursday.

Previously ranked 36th, the Super Falcons dropped to 37th.

The Super Falcons were inactive during the last FIFA women’s international break which contributed to their current position in the monthly ranking.

Justine Madugu’s side, however, maintained their position as the number one African team on the ranking despite their slip globally.

South Africa, Ghana, Zambia and Morocco complete the top five highest ranked countries in Africa.

Globally, Spain remain the highest ranked team with the United States of America, Germany, England and Sweden completing the top five.

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria have dropped to 37th position in the latest FIFA Women’s World ranking, reports Completesports.com.

The new ranking was released on the world’s soccer govering body official website on Thursday.

The Super Falcons were not in action during the last FIFA international break.

Read Also:AFCON 2025: Bassey Can Fill Troost-Ekong’s Void In Eagles

Justine Madugu’s side were previously ranked 36th in the world.

Nigeria however maintained top position in Africa despite their drop globally.

Banyana Banyana of South Africa, Black Princesses of Ghana, Copper Queens of Zambia, and Atlas Lionesses of Morocco complete the top five African teams on the ranking.

Spain maintained top spot on the ranking with the United States of America, Germany, England and Sweden completing the top five.

By Adeboye Amosu

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