Category: Sports

Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has named France and Spain as the two favourites to win the World Cup.

Scaloni spoke at his pre-match press conference ahead of Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final clash with Switzerland this weekend.

He described both teams as the outstanding teams at the World Cup after they recently qualified for the semi-final stage.

“I have not heard people saying Spain against France is an early final, but of course it is,” Scaloni said.

“They are two outstanding teams, two of the favourites, and unfortunately, one of them will go out.

“They are doing things very well. Theya re a frightening side,” he said.

Spain and France will clash in the semi-final on Tuesday after they both eliminated Belgium and Morocco in the quarter-final stage.

World Cup 2026: They’re outstanding – Argentina coach Scaloni names two favourites to win trophy

FIFA has reacted to the death of South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams.

Adams, who was part of Bafana Bafana’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, passed away at the age of 25.

Reacting to the news, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a statement, said Adams would be sorely missed.

“It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” Infantino said.

“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates.

“The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”

Jayden Adams: He’ll be sorely missed – FIFA reacts to death of South Africa midfielder

Former Chelsea player, Craig Burley, has responded to the newly appointed Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus, who stated that superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains significant for the national team.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner started and participated in all but nine minutes of Portugal’s 2026 campaign.

He scored two goals against tournament newcomers Uzbekistan and converted a penalty in the Round of 32 against Croatia.

The iconic forward faced considerable criticism for his lack of movement, which limited the Selecao das Quinas’ attacking options. He was largely ineffective in the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16, marking his final appearance in the tournament.

Following the match, Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez announced his resignation, with Jesus appointed as his replacement.

In one of his initial press conferences as manager, he declared that Ronaldo ‘will never be a problem for the national team’.

In the ESPN FC studio, Burley criticized Jesus’ remarks. The 54-year-old, who made 135 appearances for Chelsea from 1990 to 1997, stated, “Portugal must move on from this. I also believe Ronaldo should voluntarily step away from the team. Someone needs to tell him no (regarding his continued participation with Portugal). As a nation, you need to progress.

“We all mentioned, leading up to this World Cup, for months, that Portugal, despite having a very talented squad, would not be able to compete effectively for the World Cup title with a 41-year-old leading the attack.

“One only needed to examine the history of recent major tournaments to understand that he would face challenges. It is foolish to believe that if you have struggled in the last two or three tournaments, you will perform better six or seven years later against younger, faster, fitter defenders. It is simply absurd. He is an incredible player, an extraordinary athlete, and I have enjoyed watching him play, but his time at this level has come to an end.”

With 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored and the highest number of caps in the history of international football.

Ex-Chelsea star, Burley slams Portugal for refusing to retire Cristiano Ronaldo

El-Kanemi Warriors claimed the President Federation Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ikorodu City in Asaba on Saturday.

Muktar Ismail scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 13th minute.

It was El-Kanemi Warriors’ second President Federation Cup title in the last  three years.

The Maiduguri club have now won Nigeria’s oldest football competition four times.

The Borno Army will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season alongside Shooting Stars.

It was disappointing end to the season for Ikorodu City, who also  missed out on a continental ticket in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, on the final day of the season.

President Federation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors claim fourth title with win over Ikorodu City

French legend, Youri Djorkaeff, has criticised Portugal players over their treatment of their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.

He said the Portugal team effectively ‘boycotted’ Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 58-year-old, who scored 28 goals and provided 21 assists in 82 international appearances, and was part of the victorious French team in the 1998 World Cup, stated, via The Real Champs as quoted by RMC Sport, “When you have Cristiano Ronaldo, the team must adapt to play for him, which did not occur at all. One could argue that he was boycotted by his own teammates.

“They failed to support him and did not create optimal conditions for his performance… What I found disappointing about the Portugal national team, despite its considerable talent, was the tendency for everyone to shift the burden onto Cristiano.”

“At some point, players like Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and others needed to rise to the occasion and share the responsibility. It is unreasonable to expect Cristiano to be the sole solution to every problem. He is not the only player capable of making a significant impact,” Djorkaeff remarked.

Although Ronaldo has declared his retirement from the World Cup, he has not yet made a decision regarding the conclusion of his international career.

World Cup: France legend slams Portugal players over Ronaldo treatment

Nasarawa Amazons emerged champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women’s President Federation Cup following a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Heartland Queens.

It was the third time the Lafia club will be winning the President Federation Cup following their triumphs in 2005, and 2019.

Heartland Queens, who are  appearing in the final for the first time took the lead through Johnson Chizoba one minute after the break.

Substitute Judith Adaobi restored parity for Nasarawa Amazons in the 69th minute.

The two teams could not be seperated after 90 minutes, with the game going into penalty.

Nasarawa Amazons went home with the trophy after converting six times, while Heartland scored five.

El-kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City will clash in the final of the men’s final.

President Federation Cup: Nasarawa Amazons beat Heartland Queens to claim women’s crown

Former France international, Frank Leboeuf,  has predicted that Norway will defeat England in their quarter-final encounter on Saturday.

He made this prediction during a segment on ESPN, confidently asserting that the Vikings will secure a 1-0 victory.

He said, “I’m going straight for Norway. They will win 1-0.”

Norway has emerged as one of the surprise contenders in the 2026 tournament. The Vikings made a return to the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus, with their only loss being against France during the group stage.

They have achieved victories in their first two knockout matches in history, notably eliminating the five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16.

Erling Haaland has been a pivotal player for the Norwegian squad, netting seven goals thus far, including two against Brazil.

Although he is well-acquainted with many of England’s defenders from the Premier League, the match could present challenges for Haaland.

Conversely, the Three Lions remain undefeated in this World Cup. Despite having been placed in the same qualifying group twice, this match will mark the first World Cup encounter between the two nations.

Historically, however, the Three Lions have had the upper hand over Norway, winning seven out of their 12 encounters, while Norway has secured only two victories. The last clash between the two teams took place in a friendly in 2014, where England narrowly won 1-0.

World Cup: ‘They’ll win 1-0’ – Ex-France star, Leboeuf predicts Norway vs England

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will know their group rivals at the WAFU B U-20  Championship next week Wednesday, DAILY POST reports.

The draw ceremony will hold at the WAFU B headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Togo, Niger Republic, and Nigeria will feature in the competition.

The tournament will serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The Flying Eagles will depart for Abidjan on Monday, 20 July.

Abdullahi Maikaba’s side are the defending champions of the competition.

WAFU B U-20 Tourney: Flying Eagles know group foes next week Wednesday 

Flamingos head coach, Akeem Busari, insists his side will secure a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, DAILY POST reports.

Busari’s girls will face the Young Amazons in the second leg of the final round qualifying tie at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday (today).

The Flamingos were made to work hard for their 3-2 victory at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne last weekend.

Benin are unbeaten at home in the qualifiers, and will be aiming to secure their first-ever qualification to the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Idah Azonsou’s side will take confidence from their brave display in the first leg.

Busari, however, believes his players will scale through the hurdle.

“We have worked on the players’ mentality and reminded them that they can perform anywhere. We’ve played in different places before and have done well,” Busari said ahead of the game.

“We will approach the game with the right mindset, and with God’s grace and a bit of luck on our side, Insha’Allah, we will come out victorious and secure qualification.”

U-17 WWCQ: Busari optimistic Flamingos will advance past Benin