NPFL: Alex Oweilayefa pens new three-year contract with Bendel Insurance

Bendel Insurance forward Alex Oweilayefa has signed a new contract that will keep the at the club until 2029.

Oweilayefa penned his new contract with the Benin Arsenals on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old was one of the standout performers for the club in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, last season.

Oweilayefa scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for Insurance.

The new contract is expected to end speculations surrounding his future.

Insurance will open pre-season training on July 5 following a three-week break.

NPFL: Alex Oweilayefa pens new three-year contract with Bendel Insurance

NWFL: Bayelsa Queens beat Rivers Angels to end barren streak

Holders Bayelsa Queens recorded their first win in the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, Super Six playoff courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Rivers Angels.

The Prosperity Girls showed resilience and character to reclaim the lead after being pegged back in the second half.

Chiamaka Ezekwugo opened the scoring for Bayelsa Queens with a powerful header one minute before the half  hour mark.

Abasiofon Uwah restored parity for Rivers Angels from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.

However, Dorshima Taarnum’s 63rd minute decisive strike proved to be the difference as Bayelsa Queens sealed all three points.

Bayelsa Queens moved to third position  on the standings with four points from three games following the win.

NWFL: Bayelsa Queens beat Rivers Angels to end barren streak

World Cup 2026: They’re above others – Wenger names country to win trophy

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has named France as the favourites to win the World Cup this year.

Wenger believes Didier Deschamps’ side is above all other teams in the tournament.

“I put them above the others. France have so much talent, and Deschamps has experience,” Wenger told Le Figaro when speaking about the favourites to win the World Cup.

“We have so many attacking players that the danger is being a little unbalanced offensively.

“But today, the modern player, even an attacking one, knows how to do his share of the defensive work.

“When you’re 0-0 against France with 20 minutes to go, you lose the match. Power makes the difference.”

France won the 2018 World Cup, but failed to win it in 2022 after losing the final against Argentina.

World Cup 2026: They’re above others – Wenger names country to win trophy

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Messi lead list of highest-paid players [Top 11]

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina skipper, Lionel Messi, are leading the list of highest-paid players at the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo is number one on the list with estimated pre-tax and pre-agent fee earnings of $295 million over the past 12 months, according to Sportico.

This primarily comes from his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

The Portugal forward joined Al-Nassr in 2023, earning approximately $230 million on-field in the past season after renewing a two-year contract with the club.

It is widely believed that Ronaldo’s contract arrangement is subsidized by commercial agreements endorsed by the club.

The 41-year-old also earns approximately $65 million annually from a range of partners, including Nike and Herbalife.

Here is the list of the highest-earning players that would be competing at the 2026 World Cup:

1. Ronaldo: $295 million (On-field earnings: $230 million; Off-field earnings: $65 million)

2. Messi: $140 million (On-field earnings: $70 million; Off-field earnings: $70 million)

3. Mbappe: $100 million (On-field earnings: $70 million; Off-field earnings: $30 million)

4. Haaland: $80 million (On-field earnings: $60 million; Off-field earnings: $20 million)

5. Vinicius: $60 million (On-field earnings: $40 million; Off-field earnings: $20 million)

6. Salah: $55 million (On-field earnings: $35 million; Off-field earnings: $20 million)

7. Sadio Mane: $54 million (On-field earnings: $50 million; Off-field earnings: $4 million)

8. Mahrez: $53 million (On-field earnings: $52 million; Off-field earnings: $1 million)

9. Bellingham: $44 million (On-field earnings: $29 million; Off-field earnings)

10. Yamal: $43 million (On-field earnings: $33 million; Off-field earnings: $10 million)

11. Kane: $42 million (On-field earnings: $30 million; Off-field earnings: $12 million)

World Cup 2026: Ronaldo, Messi lead list of highest-paid players [Top 11]

Verified by MonsterInsights