Category: Sports

Kano Pillars are targeting a strong finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, after commencing preparations for the 2026/27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The Sai Masu Gida regroup for pre-season training at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata on Monday morning.

Chief coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, supervised the training session alongside assistant coach Gambo Muhammad and goalkeepers’ trainer, Suleiman Shuaibu.

Daniel Ogunmodede, the newly appointed technical adviser is expected to arrive Kano this week.

Kano Pillars, who managed to maintain their top-flight status last season are targeting a top three finish in the 2026/27 campaign.

The new season will kick-off on Friday, 28 August, 2026.

NPFL: Excitement as Kano Pillars commence preparations for new season

Former France striker, Thierry Henry, has sent a message of appreciation to Neymar for what he has done for the game of football.

Henry was speaking on Fox Sports after Norway defeated Brazil in a World Cup Round of 16 encounter on Sunday.

Recall that Neymar scored a late penalty as two goals from Erling Haaland ensured Norway eliminated Brazil to progress to the quarter-final, where they will face England.

Henry thanked Neymar and labelled him as an outstanding player.

The Frenchman insisted that the Santos forward, who announced his retirement from international football, changed the game with how he was playing it.

“I don’t want to talk about the World Cup or how he finished, I want to talk about what he has given to the game,” Henry said of Neymar.

“This is a guy I would pay to watch. Simple as that. He would make anyone love the game with the way he was. His goals, his smile, the way he went about it with the skills. Anyone young wanted to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with how he was playing it.

“Neymar was and always will be an outstanding player. Thank you for what you’ve done. I’ve enjoyed it.”

World Cup 2026: Thierry Henry sends message to Neymar after Brazil’s elimination

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has said missing out on consecutive World Cups should be a catalyst for positive change for the team, DAILY POST reports.

The three-time African champions were beaten on penalities by Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of African playoffs.

Nigeria’s last appearance at the World Cup was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Russia.

Troost-Ekong said it is important for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to put a proper plan in place to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2030 World Cup.

“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson,” Troost-Ekong told Supersport.

“We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup.”

How Super Eagles can qualify for 2030 World Cup – Troost-Ekong 

Rivers United have completed the signing of Shola Oladunjoye for the 2026-27 season, DAILY POST reports. 

Oladunjoye joined the Pride of Rivers from Sporting Lagos.

The youngster left Sporting Lagos on a free transfer after failing to sign a new contract.

He was scouted by Rivers United in the Nigeria National League, NNL, last season.

Oladunjoye played a crucial role in Sporting Lagos’ promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, last term.

The move to Rivers United will allow him play continental football for the first time.

NPFL: Rivers United sign free-agent Shola Oladunjoye

Holders Super Falcons of Nigeria will open camp in Mohammedia, Morocco on July 15 ahead of their title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, DAILY POST reports.

The Super Falcons will spend one week in Mohammedia before moving to Rabat for their Group C matches.

Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to release his final squad for the competition before the team jet off to Morocco.

The Super Falcons defeated Senegal twice in friendlies last month.

Nigeria will be aiming to win a record-extending 11th title at the WAFCON 2026 finals.

The West Africans will open their campaign against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July.

Their second game against Zambia will hold at the same ground on Saturday, 1 August.

The Super Falcons will round up their group stage campaign against Egypt at the Olympic Stadium, Rabat on Wednesday, 5 August.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons open camp in Mohammedia July 15

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has hailed Spain’s Lamine Yamal as a player with “a very bright future” ahead of their meeting at the 2026 World Cup.

The two countries will face off in the last 32 of the tournament.

Ronaldo was asked for his thoughts on Yamal during the pre-match press conference.

The 41-year-old was however also quick to highlight Spain’s overall quality.

He said: “Lamine is a player with a very bright future.

“I didn’t see any of Spain’s matches, I only saw a bit of the game against Cape Verde, but as I said, he has a very bright future.

“But I see Spain as a whole. They’re very good, they play very well, and it will be very tough.”

2026 World Cup: What Ronaldo said about Yamal ahead of Spain vs Portugal clash

President Donald Trump has hailed FIFA’s decision to suspend a one-match ban for a US forward, Folarin Balogun.

It is a move which has further fuelled allegations of cronyism between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Balogun is now available to face Belgium in the last 16 despite being sent off against Bosnia.

Moments after the announcement President Trump thanked FIFA for “reversing a great injustice” in a post on Truth Social.

Trump wrote: “Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

2026 World Cup: Trump speaks on FIFA’s shock decision to reverse Balogun’s red card

France International, Kylian Mbappe, currently tops the list of French players with the most goals in a single season for the national team and the top five European leagues.

Mbappe’s second-half goal for France against Paraguay in Saturday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash was his 55th goal in total for the French football national team and also the La Liga in the 2025-2026 season.

The Real Madrid attacker surpassed his last record of 54 goals set in the 2022-2023 campaign for both country and club.

Here is the list of the top five French players with the most goals for country and club in a single season:

1. Kylian Mbappe – 55 goals (2025-2026)
2. Kylian Mbappe – 54 goals (2022-2026)
3. Just Fontaine – 53 goals (1957-1958)
4. Kylian Mbappe – 52 goals (2021-2022)
5. Philippe Gondet – 51 goals (1965-1966)

World Cup: French players with most goals for country, club in history [Top 5]

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has officially confirmed this is the last time he will play at the World Cup.

Ronaldo stated this during a press conference on Sunday, ahead of their last-16 clash with Spain.

The 41-year-old’s sister, Katia, had hinted that the Al Nassr forward would retire from international football after the tournament.

Ronaldo himself has come out to say he won’t be at the 2030 edition of the competition.

“Yes, it’s my last one. Let’s go and enjoy it,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo is the oldest player to feature in six different World Cups.

This is my last World Cup – Cristiano Ronaldo finally confirms

Chelsea’s Andrey Santos is on Manchester United’s shortlist of central midfield targets.

According to Sky Sports, United’s interest in the 22-year-old is in the early stages.

The Red Devils are expected to add two more central midfielders to their squad this summer.

Michael Carrick’s side have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson to join them after the 2026 World Cup.

But Manuel Ugarte recently suffered a long-term injury at the tournament, while Casemiro has departed the club.

It is understood that Chelsea don’t view Santos as ‘untouchable’ and would be ready to do a deal at the right price.

Transfer: Man Utd in shock move to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea