Author: Hot Source

Spain have eliminated Portugal from the 2026 World Cup.

Both Iberian countries faced each other in the last-16 of the competition.

With the match heading to extra time, Mikel Merino came off the bench to finish off a fine team move.

Spain will now face either co-hosts United States of America or Belgium in the next round.

It could also be the last time we see Cristiano Ronaldo on the international stage.

As it stands, two quarter-final fixtures have now been confirmed.

England will face Norway, while France will take on Morocco.

2026 World Cup: Spain eliminate Portugal as five teams qualify for quarter-final

Abia Warriors have commenced pre-season training for the 2026-27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The Umu Chineke held their first training session at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Monday.

The training session was supervised by head coach Imama Amapakabo.

Abia Warriors missed out on a continental slot last season.

The Umuahia club finished in seventh position in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, table.

Abia Warriors are expected to fortify their squad with new players before the start of the new season.

The 2026-27 NPFL season will commence on Friday, 28 August.

NPFL: Abia Warriors begin pre-season training ahead new season 

Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has predicted the quarter-final clash between England and Norway at the 2026 World Cup.

Neville believes the Three Lions have what it takes to send Erling Haaland co home.

He however admits it would be a tough encounter.

England beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 to qualify, while Haaland’s brace eliminated Brazil.

The two European nations will come up against each other at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.

“I think we should be favourites to beat Norway but it’s going to be really tough,” Neville said.

“I thought Martin Odegaard played as well against Brazil.”

2026 World Cup: Gary Neville predicts England vs Norway quarter-final clash

Cape Verde defender Lopes Cabral has been named winner of Goal of Round 32 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, DAILY POST reports.

Cabral won the award for his superb strike in Cape Verde’s pulsating 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

The 23-year-old cut in from the left wing and curled a magnificent effort beyond Emiliano Martinez early in the second half.

The full-back won 88.7 per cent of the public vote.

Lionel Messi came second with 4.1 per cent for his own strike in the same game, while Japan’s Kaishu Sano was third (1.9 per cent) for his goal against Brazil.

Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov won the Goal of the Group Stage for his effort against Democratic Republic of Congo.

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s Cabral pips Messi to Round of 32 Best Goal honour 

Muhammad Babaganaru has expressed disappointment with his disenchantment by Kano Pillars.

Babaganaru helped the Sai Masu maintained their top-flight status last season after a difficult start to the campaign.

The experienced tactician side that he had already agreed on a contract extension with the former board

Babaganaru revealed that he turned down offers from Barau FC, Niger Tornadoes, and Katsina United out of loyalty and respect for Kano Pillars.

“We had a deal with the former management that I would be given a new contract,” Babaganaru was quoted by Nigerian Players Gallery.

“We talked it over and reached an agreement. The only thing holding us back was that the paperwork wasn’t ready, so we planned to finalize it the next day. But then, the management changed.

“I was hoping they would get in touch, even if they didn’t want to continue with me. I just thought they should at least talk to me first. But they didn’t.

“I felt betrayed and unappreciated for the sacrifices I made while I was there. I turned down three offers from different clubs because we had an understanding that I would be kept on.”

It would be recalled that the Kano State government appointed a new management team for the four-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions.

The new management team led by Ahmad Musbahu Garo appointed Daniel Ogunmodede as the new technical adviser last week ending Babaganaru’s tenure.

NPFL: Babaganaru laments Kano Pillars rejection