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Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Bendel Insurance have declared a three-week break for their players and officials following the completion of the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

The team is expected to return to training on Wednesday, July 1 ,2026 for the new season preparations.

General Manager Charles Ihimekpen delivered the message at a meeting with the team on Tuesday.

Ihimekpen acknowledged the club’s fifth-place finish last season but lamented their dramatic exit from the President Federation Cup.

The Benin Arsenals were eliminated from the competition by El-Kanemi Warriors.

“We could not achieve what we planned to get, but when you look back to where we are coming from, there is need to thank God and still appreciate you guys,” Ihimekpen said during his meeting with the team.

“We hope all of us have learnt a lesson so that next season we do not allow such a disaster.”

NPFL: Bendel Insurance embark on three-week end of season break

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has clarified the reasons behind Portugal’s choice to play against Nigeria in an international friendly, emphasizing that this decision is not influenced by rankings or comparisons, but rather by playing style and physical intensity.

Portugal intends to utilize this high-profile friendly as part of their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Nigeria being selected as one of their African opponents for this preparatory match.

During the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Chelle asserted that there is no disrespect in comparing teams, while also underscoring Portugal’s potential reasons for selecting Nigeria.

“This is not a lack of respect. We cannot compare Nigeria and DR Congo. I don’t think about who is the best team. I think about the philosophy. I believe they want to face an African team due to the intensity of the game. I refer to physicality, so this presents a good opportunity to compete against us,” stated the Super Eagles coach.

He also suggested that Portugal’s choice might be connected to their recent encounter with DR Congo in the playoff final.

“We faced DR Congo in the World Cup playoffs and lost on penalties. Perhaps they wish to evaluate how they can perform against them. I simply focus on my responsibilities, even if I am not the coach tomorrow,” he added.

Chelle also discussed his long-term strategy for squad development, asserting that his priority is to cultivate a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level, irrespective of external pressures or uncertainties regarding coaching.

“My role is to assemble the best players in the country to create a blend of experienced and younger individuals because Nigeria remains Nigeria after Eric. I articulated a year ago how I intend to fulfill my role, and I have executed my responsibilities; I do not attribute my success to luck,” he remarked.

He said, “When I recruit a player, it is because he has demonstrated his worth consistently each week. My responsibility is to ensure that the player is in optimal condition and at the right moment, although at times the right moment may arrive when I am not prepared for it. If we are short one or two players and this individual is unable to participate, my only option is to make the most informed decision.”

Friendly match: Why Portugal chose Nigeria – Super Eagles coach, Chelle

Real Madrid have revealed that their €150m bid for Atletico Madrid striker, Julian Alvarez, was rejected on Tuesday.

Alvarez is one of the in-demand players this summer and could leave the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atletico’s city rivals have decided to join the race for the 26-year-old.

The offer comes after Madrid president Florentino Perez promised to make a huge bid for a ‘Galatico’ if he won the vote.

An official Madrid sttatement read: “Real Madrid CF announces that, following today’s Board of Directors meeting, it has made an offer of 150 million euros to Club Atletico de Madrid for the federative rights of the player Julian Álvarez.

“After studying and evaluating it, Atletico de Madrid has thanked the club for the offer, made within the framework of the good relations existing between both clubs, and has rejected it, referring to the player’s release clause.”

Real Madrid submit €150m bid for Alvarez as Perez’s next Galactico is revealed