Andoni Iraola believes his Liverpool side are in for a difficult test when they face Fenerbahce in the Champions League this evening. (Wednesday)

The Reds have made a 100% start to their league-phase campaign, defeating Atletico Madrid, LASK and Villarreal to sit third in the standings ahead of MD4.

However, Liverpool have not won any of their six away games against Turkish teams in the European Cup/Champions League, losing five of them (D1), and the last four in a row.

Liverpool have never lost five consecutive away games against sides from one nation in UEFA’s flagship club competition, but Iraola knows a stern test awaits his side.

“It won’t be easy, you talk about statistics, especially English teams playing here,” said Iraola.

“They have very good players and a very good squad, they know how to play in this competition. We have to start strong in the game.

“They have very good players in midfield, they have a very good technical level. If we allow them a lot of time on the ball and don’t press them properly, we will suffer.

“We need to not allow them to win confidence as they have experienced players who know how to play in this competition.”

Fener and Liverpool will meet for the first time in this match – the Reds have only won four of their 11 games against Turkish sides in the European Cup/Champions League (D2 L5), although the most recent victory was a 4-0 triumph over Galatasaray in March this year.

Following their draw against Slavia Prague last time out (2-2), Fener are now on their longest-ever winless run in the Champions League (10 games – D4 L6).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled his $100,000 reward pledge to the Super Falcons following the team’s historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations where Nigeria clinched a record-extending 10th continental title.

According to a statement from the National Sports Commission ,NSC), the players have started receiving payments of approximately ₦140 million each, representing the naira equivalent of the President’s promised reward.

The payment comes months after the Super Falcons staged a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final played in July 2025.

Having gone two goals down, the Super Falcons rallied in the second half to secure a memorable victory and reclaim the African crown.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has expressed the team’s appreciation to President Tinubu for honouring his commitment, noting that the gesture recognises the players’ hard work and achievement on the continental stage.

The reward is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to recognise and encourage Nigerian athletes following outstanding performances in international competitions.

In a similar gesture, President Tinubu also fulfilled his $100,000 reward pledge to members of D’Tigress after their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, where the Nigerian women’s basketball team extended its dominance by winning a fifth consecutive title.

The latest development marks another financial recognition of the Super Falcons’ achievement and their place in the history of African women’s football.

West Ham United are expected to appoint Scott Parker as head coach after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 52-year-old Portuguese head coach has paid the price for West Ham’s disappointing start to the Championship season, having overseen their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Report says the club are in advanced talks with former Burnley, Bournemouth and Fulham boss Parker and he could be confirmed before Wednesday’s Championship trip to Cardiff City.

The former England midfielder had four seasons as a player with the Hammers and led Bournemouth and Burnley to promotion from the Championship as a manager.

Widely seen as favourites for automatic promotion, the London side are currently eighth in the table, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough.

They have won two of their past six games and have lost back-to-back home matches – going down 3-2 to Southampton and then 3-1 to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday – losses that have seen them drop down from second place.

Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeper coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.

Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville will take temporary charge of the side for their Championship trip to Cardiff City on Wednesday night.

“Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the board of directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the club’s objectives and expectations remain on track,” a West Ham United statement read.

“West Ham United would like to thank Nuno, Rui and Rui for their hard work and commitment during their time at the club, and wish them all the very best for the future.

“The process of recruiting a new head coach is already under way.” the statement said.