This episode is packed we’re talking Nigeria, Germany, Gabon and everything in between!

We kick off with the big debate: Has Football Gone Soft?

From VAR-protected players to rule changes that punish tackles, we ask if the modern game has lost its toughness or just evolved past the old-school brutality.

Then we shift to Europe for a quick spotlight on Noah Atubolu, the young German goalkeeper nicknamed “The Penalty Wall of Germany.”

His rise, his shot-stopping record, and whether Nigeria should start keeping tabs on him for the future.

Back home, it’s Super Eagles talk Raphael Onyedika vs The Bench.

Should he finally get his chance in the World Cup Qualifiers? We break down his form, tactical fit, and why the NFF’s call-up decisions keep raising eyebrows.

And of course, the headline story: Can Victor Osimhen really save the Super Eagles from the chaos around the NFF?

One player can’t fix a broken system, but he keeps carrying the team like it’s personal. We ask: is Nigeria building a team or just depending on one man?

To wrap up, we go continental Gabon’s Golden Duo: Aubameyang & Bouanga.

Two forwards in red-hot form, creating serious problems for defences across Africa. We break down why they’re Gabon’s biggest threat and why the Super Eagles should be paying attention.

All that plus Fan Yarn, Bangers & Banters, and our Final Whistle to end it with vibes.

In this episode, we break down all the key stories from the weekend across Europe’s top leagues. We start in the Premier League, where Manchester United took care of Brighton, and Arsenal handled Crystal Palace raising the question: Is this finally Arsenal’s title season?

We also look at Manchester City’s quiet consistency and Liverpool’s mini-crisis is it just bad form or something deeper?

From there, we switch to Spain for El Clásico talk, discuss the hype and pressure surrounding Lamine Yamal, and examine the implications of Kevin De Bruyne’s injury on City and Belgium.

It’s a full league review straight analysis, hot takes, and real football conversation.

Remo Stars’ embarrassing performance against Sundowns sparks a heated discussion on the reality of Nigerian football. We dive deep into what this means for the NPFL and Nigerian clubs on the continental stage.

We also talk about Nottingham Forest’s decision to sack their manager and their rumored move for Sean Dyche, Manchester United’s impressive win over Liverpool, and the situation surrounding Lamine Yamal is the Barcelona wonderkid becoming a problem for the club?

Alex Iwobi gets his flowers as we highlight his incredible Premier League appearance record and consistency, while we round off with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Super Eagles.

It’s raw, honest, and football with no filter. ⚽🔥

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread. The Super Eagles now face their biggest test yet can they still soar when it matters most? 🦅

In this episode, the Football Yarn crew break down Nigeria’s shaky qualifying run, the pressure heading into the playoffs, tactical worries, and whether this team still has the heart of true champions.

Plus, we debate the ultimate striker showdown Kane vs. Mbappé vs. Haaland 🔥 Who takes home the Golden Boot this season?

It’s all or nothing for the Eagles… and bragging rights for the best goal machine in Europe!

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts @Football Yarn Podcast

The Super Eagles are walking a tightrope again will Nigeria make it to the World Cup or watch from home? 🇳🇬⚽

In this episode, we break down the chaos surrounding Nigeria’s qualification chances, South Africa’s points deduction drama, and Benin’s revenge. We also dive into Europe’s mini-meltdown from Liverpool’s shocking slump to Barcelona’s worrying losing streak.

🔥 It’s chaos everywhere from Africa to Europe and we’re here to yarn it all!

👉 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts @Football Yarn Podcast

🎙️ Football Yarn Episode 38

This week, we dive deep into the drama and beauty of football, on and off the pitch:

• Did Barcelona crown the wrong winger? The Raphinha vs Yamal Ballon d’Or PR battle.

• Mbappé’s Ballon d’Or drought is he destined to be the new Neymar?

• Dembélé’s redemption arc: from fines and injuries to treble glory and Ballon d’Or.

• Beyond the game Dembélé’s loyalty to his childhood friend Moustapha Diatta.

• Fathers fade, mothers shine the untold truth of parental presence in football.

• Women in football: the makers (Fatimata, Fayza Lamari) and the breakers (Alves, Mendy, Ronaldo sagas).

• Scaloni’s methods protecting creativity or overcoaching kids?

• Weekly madness: Russian Cup red card chaos, VAR controversies, and shirt drama.

• Simeone’s legacy at Atlético and the million-dollar question: who really replaces Arteta at Arsenal?

🔥 Honest takes. Brutal truths. No sugarcoating.

Episode 37 – From Red Cards to Ballon d’Or Drama

This week on Football Yarn, we dive into a fiery EPL weekend review. Chelsea vs Manchester United takes center stage, as Sánchez’s shocking red card inside five minutes set the tone did Merasca bottle it by giving United too much respect? Then it’s Arsenal vs Man City, a game that shifted from past thrashings to a 1-1 stalemate have the Gunners lost their ruthless edge?

We spotlight Alex Iwobi’s brilliant form at Fulham and ask whether he can carry that same fire into the Super Eagles camp. And finally, the Ballon d’Or debate: with Dembélé crowned, has the prestige of football’s biggest individual award been watered down?

In Episode 36 of Football Yarn, we journey through a week of unforgettable football moments. Erling Haaland once again rewrites history, storming past the 50-goal mark in the Champions League faster than anyone before him at just 25. On another stage, Senegalese defender Boudou stunned Europe with a remarkable brace, proving that heroes can rise from unexpected places.

We relive Marcus Rashford’s brilliant UCL strike a glimpse of the player he can be while turning our eyes to José Mourinho, whose story may circle back to Benfica, the club where it all began. His systems, his rivalries, and his ego continue to spark debate.

Closer to home, questions mount over Arteta’s rigid approach at Arsenal, even as Cole Palmer emerges as Chelsea’s shining X factor, carrying a struggling team on his back. We also unpack Diego Simeone’s fiery red card and the emotions that had fans dubbing him the “Argentine Arteta.” And, of course, there’s Harry Kane calm, ruthless, and arguably the finest penalty taker in world football.

From wonderkids like Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha to legends shaping their legacy, this episode is pure football passion dramatic, controversial, and unfiltered.

The Premier League drama never sleeps! In this episode of Football Yarn, we break down Burnley’s clash with Liverpool, where Hannibal Mejbri’s performance and a late VAR penalty stole the headlines. Was justice really served in stoppage time?

We also dive into Barcelona’s dazzling 6–0 masterclass, a reminder of their attacking brilliance when everything clicks. Plus, we unpack Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, what’s really going wrong at Old Trafford, and how the EPL table is shaping up.

It’s passion, controversy, and football talk the way it should be.

🎙️ Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts @Football Yarn Podcast

Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are on thin ice after another frustrating 1–1 draw with South Africa. Two wins in eight qualifiers raise big questions: do the Super Eagles still deserve a World Cup ticket? We break down the Bloemfontein drama, Ademola Lookman’s struggles, and whether Eric Chelle got his tactics wrong.

We also debate Tolu’s continued absence from the Super Eagles lineup, assess Benjamin Fredericks’ rise, and ask if it’s too early to call him the future of Nigerian football.

Beyond Africa, we look at Nuno Espírito Santo’s sacking, whether Ange Postecoglou is the right replacement, and the new Nottingham Forest manager’s appointment.

Policy or prayer—what will really save Nigeria’s World Cup dreams?

👉 Follow us for more football conversations:

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok — @FootballYarn

🎙️ Episode Breakdown: Pep, VAR Drama & Naija Snub

1. Premier League Focus – Pep Guardiola: Is He Gone?

• Backdrop: Pep’s Man City dominance has defined an era. Now, back-to-back defeats raise doubts.

• Talking Points:

• Is this a dip in form, or the beginning of the end of Pep’s cycle?

• Did he miss the perfect moment to walk away at the peak?

• Are Premier League rivals finally catching up to his system?

• What happens to City’s identity if Pep leaves?

2. VAR Inconsistency – Blessing or Curse?

• Backdrop: VAR isn’t hated for its existence, but for its application.

• Talking Points:

• Inconsistency in decision-making across leagues and matches.

• Lack of transparency: Why don’t we hear VAR–referee conversations like in rugby/NFL?

• Does VAR add fairness or chaos?

• What reforms are needed to restore trust in refereeing?

3. Nigeria Spotlight – Super Eagle Snub (Victor Boniface)

• Backdrop: Boniface misses out on another Super Eagles call-up, sparking debate.

• Talking Points:

• Is this favoritism from Peseiro/management, or a tactical decision?

• How does this affect Boniface’s confidence and his relationship with the national team?

• Long-term implications: Can Nigeria afford to sideline in-form players?

• Bigger picture: selection transparency in African football.

4. Bonus Quickfire Segment – Manchester United

• Talking Point: Did United over-celebrate beating Burnley?

• Signs of lowered standards?

• Should fans take it as joy in progress, or as evidence of decline in expectations?

🔴 Arsenal Segment

1. Transfer Window Debate

With Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal, have the Gunners already “won” the transfer window?

If not Arsenal, which team has made the best signings so far?

2. Saliba & Gabriel Partnership

Rio Ferdinand hails them as the best CB duo in the Premier League.

Both named in the PFA Team of the Year 🏅

Bigger debate: Are Saliba & Gabriel the best CB pairing in world football right now?

3. Arteta Pressure Point

After signing Eze, should Arteta face the sack if Arsenal win nothing this season?

4. Injury Concerns

Arsenal lose both Odegaard (shoulder) and Saka (hamstring) in 15 minutes.

How worrying is this for Arsenal’s title hopes?

🔵 Chelsea & United Transfer Saga

1. Garnacho Storyline

Garnacho rejects Bayern Munich, Chelsea push harder.

United value him at £50m, Chelsea stand firm at £40m.

Debate: Would Garnacho be an upgrade on Noni Madueke?

⚫ Transfer Strikes & Player Power

1. Big Question: Strikers on Strike?

Are Brentford & Newcastle in the same boat with players forcing moves?

2. Special Talking Points:

Should players have made these issues public?

Should Newcastle have responded publicly?

Should Atalanta have held a press conference over Lookman’s transfer request?

Who’s really at fault: the players or the clubs?

3. Ademola Lookman Saga

Two-week training strike to force Inter move.

Atalanta rejected €45m bid, player protest escalated (skipped training, deleted social posts).

Now facing fines, possible apology, but coach Juric doesn’t want to lose another key man.

4. Alexander Isak Situation

Isak frustrated, skipped preseason, wants Liverpool.

Newcastle say no promises were made & refuse to sell.

Public spat on Instagram: “relationship can’t continue.”

Club’s strong stance backed by Saudi PIF.

Howe open to reintegration after the window closes.

🌍 Outside Arena (Off-Pitch Debate)

When two public figures marry: what are the commercial and legal effects?

How does that shape later narratives of “gold-digging” or “betrayal” in the media?

EPL Review – Matchday 1

2. La Liga Review – Matchday 1

3. Outside the Arena

• Ronaldo’s Engagement

• Brazilian Footballer’s Red Card (Peeing in a Bottle)

🎙 EPISODE 30 – HARD TACKLE

Welcome back to Hard Tackle, the football podcast where we don’t just read the headlines — we break them down, tackle them hard, and leave no nutmeg unpunished. I’m your host, Tobi, and today… we’ve got drama at Wembley, shirt number politics at Real Madrid, a Premier League hotshot catching fire, injury worries at Manchester City, and a reality check for Nigerian football on the continental stage. Buckle up.

🎙️Episode 29: “De Gea Returns, Lookman Storms, FIFA in Court?”

David de Gea Returns to Old Trafford

> Amorim’s First Pre-Season — Signs of Life?

Ademola Lookman vs Atalanta – Who’s in the Wrong?

🎯 TALKING POINTS

Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal: Inspired Addition or Misfit Move?

What does his arrival mean for the Gunners' frontline?

Does he fit Arteta’s system better than current options?

Best EPL Signings So Far: Who Tops the Transfer Window Power Rankings?

Rank the clubs making the smartest, most impactful moves.

Which transfers could be game-changers?

WAFCON 2025 Final: Tactical Masterclass or Missed Opportunity?

Key takeaways from the final clash.

Player standouts, managerial decisions, and VAR influence.

Club to Watch This Season: Who's the Most Exciting Team in the EPL Right Now?

New signings, fresh systems, or comeback stories — who gets your attention?

🎙️ Football Yarn Podcast - Talking Points Rundown

DBruyne to Napoli, Modrić Still Going — Serie A: Retirement League or Tactical Paradise?

Are legends like KDB and Luka Modrić going to Serie A proof it’s becoming a destination for twilight brilliance?

Cole Palmer vs Endrick — Youth, Marriage, and Maturity

Palmer says he’s too young for marriage, Endrick’s already hitched — are we seeing different pressures for prodigies in Europe vs South America?

WAFCON Semi-Final: Nigeria vs South Africa — Rivalry Reignited

Can Banyana Banyana finally stop the Super Falcons, or is Nigeria reclaiming the WAFCON throne?

Ederson’s Future at City — Time to Sell or Still Elite?

Should Manchester City cash in on Ederson, or does he still belong at the top?

🎙️ Football Yarn Podcast - Talking Points Rundown

UCL vs Club World Cup — The Power Shift?

Will the expanded FIFA Club World Cup overtake the UEFA Champions League as the biggest club competition in the world?

Lamine Yamal Gets Barça’s #10 — Great Honour or Too Much Pressure?

Is giving the iconic jersey to a 17-year-old genius a bold move or premature hype?

Osimhen to Galatasaray — Passion Over Paycheck?

Did Victor Osimhen make the right move prioritizing passion and legacy over financial gain?

Rashford to Barça — A Fresh Start or Last Shot?

If Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona, is this a redemption arc or the final act?

Ademola Lookman — Atalanta Overvaluing or Inter Undervaluing?

Is Lookman’s €30M+ valuation fair or is Inter sleeping on a gem?

Is Alonso the right man to lead Madrid into a new era?

Has Mbappé’s arrival thrown off the balance at Real Madrid?

Does PSG’s dominance over the last decade make them the team of the era—or just serial underachievers?

Can the Super Falcons actually go all the way at WAFCON—or are we hyping too early?

Would sticking with the 3-4-3 have changed everything for Alonso’s side? Or was the switch inevitable?