It is Tuesday morning and I am under the shades watching the coaches at DigitSport Academy drill their U-11 and U-15 team in preparation of the 2026/27 football season.

It is the morning after the first game week of the Premier League. Last night, Chelsea held on to a 3-2 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage in Xabi Alonso’s 1st game for the Blues. The attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers & Joao Pedro were all on the scoresheet.

Over the weekend, Manchester United lost 2-0 at Hull City. Their neighbours City needed a late winner (2-1) over Bournemouth. Both goals for the Citizens came from defenders with Haaland firing blanks for the 1st time in an opening game week. Sighs in FPL. Liverpool needed a late penalty to get a point at Saint James Park (2-2 vs Newcastle).

The defending champions kicked off with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates with goals from Havertz, Saka and Captain Odegaard. The “Attacking” Champions, as Arteta prefers, made 3-0 wins in consecutive matches. They had beaten City for the first trophy of the season – The Communist Shield.

Arsenal have reinforced for the season with Bruno Guimaraes, Erik Konsa, Christoz Tzolis & Meslier as new recruits. Trossard is off to Turkey. Noorgard has joined Everton. He spent just a season with the Gunners but I happy he left with a medal. There are potential exits for Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli, Nelson, Vieri and Nwaneri.

Martinelli has been one of my favourite players at Arsenal, coming up with goals when we were in the “trenches”. It is sad to see him leave. He joined as an unknown from 4th division Brazil. Now he is likely leaving for £60m to Saudi Arabia. His game dipped in the last couple of seasons and with a year left in his contract, I can understand why the club has to make the best of the situation.

Will Arsenal make additional signings? Will Alvarez join the Gunners? Will Tzolis be our only left winger? Will Eze be called up as his deputy?

Away from Europe, the Nigeria Premier Football League resumes this weekend. Rangers will be looking to defend their title while chasing continental glory. I should see more games this season.

There is the small matter of the Falcons missing out of the 2027 World Cup after a poor showing at the 2026 WAFCON. Shameful for the team, coaches and the NFF. The team needs a revamp. The men’s team were not in the 2026 World Cup too. Something has to change.

Speaking of the 2026 World Cup, it was a great experience for me. I still feel drained from the world cup but club football should be bring me back.

Welcome back, club football!