Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has broken his silence over the rape allegations against him, firmly maintaining his innocence. Speaking in an interview with Foot Africa, the Moroccan international described the accusations as both painful and unfair, especially after reports emerged that prosecutors in Nanterre are seeking a trial.

“I’m calm. Being falsely accused is horrible and unjust. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I know the truth will come out,” Hakimi said, adding that he has nothing to reproach himself for and that those close to him know his character. He explained that his focus remains on his family and his football career, choosing to stay composed despite the ongoing case.

The allegations date back to March 2023, when a 24-year-old woman accused Hakimi of rape. Reports claim he paid for her travel to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a Paris suburb, while his wife and children were away on holiday.

Nigerian football icon Sunday Oliseh has advised Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen to turn to prayer as he navigates the next phase of his career.

Oliseh shared his thoughts after the 26-year-old sealed a permanent move to the Turkish giants, following an unsuccessful summer push for a Premier League switch. Despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, none of the clubs made a move before the window closed.

The former Super Eagles captain is confident that if Nigeria books a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the big clubs will come calling for Osimhen next year. In a video making the rounds, Oliseh urged, “Victor has to pray… he needs Nigeria to be at the next World Cup.”

Barcelona’s Pedri has opened up about the moment he discovered Lionel Messi was leaving the club, admitting the news caught him completely off guard. Messi, who rose through Barcelona’s ranks before becoming one of the greatest players in football history, departed in 2021 after the club failed to renew his contract.

Pedri, who joined from Las Palmas in 2019, shared the pitch with Messi for two seasons, racking up 47 games together. Speaking to France Football, the Spanish midfielder recalled how he would instinctively look for Messi during matches, always eager to pass him the ball because, in his words, “he was better than me.”

He said he was playing in the Olympics when he heard about Messi’s exit, finding it almost impossible to believe. Messi went on to join Paris Saint-Germain, where he lifted two Ligue 1 titles before making another headline move in 2023 to Inter Miami.