2026 Ballon d’Or: Voting dates for nominees confirmed as World Cup ends

This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 2026.

It will be decided based on the results of the period running from August 1, 2025, through to 31 July, 2026.

There are already conversations over who the possible nominees could be, after the World Cup ended on Sunday night.

Spain are the new champions, after beating the holders Argentina 1-0, in what was a one-sided affair.

This means there is a strong contingent of Spaniards amongst the bookmakers’ favourites.

But according to the UK Metro, the star-studded list is topped by England and Bayern Munich centre-forward Kane.

As it stands, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are also ahead of Spain captain Rodri going by the latest odds.

Ousmane Dembele – who won the award in 2025 – is now 14/1 to defend his crown after France were denied a place in this summer’s World Cup final by the eventual winners Spain.

2026 Ballon d’Or: Voting dates for nominees confirmed as World Cup ends

Ex-England manager, Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Former England player and manager, Kevin Keegan, has died at the age of 75.

Earlier in January 2026, it was revealed that Keegan had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

His family announced at the time that he was set to begin treatment.

Last month, Keegan, while speaking at an event in Newcastle, said he was responding well to treatment.

A statement from the family read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Ex-England manager, Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Prize money FIFA will pay Spain, Argentina after World Cup final revealed

The prize money Spain and Argentina will receive from FIFA following the World Cup final has been revealed.

Recall that Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey to lift the 2026 World Cup.

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scored the game’s only goal in extra time.

According to NDTV Sports, FIFA will pay the winners, Spain, $50 million for winning the World Cup.

Argentina, on the other hand, will receive $33 million for finishing as runner‑up.

Meanwhile, England secured $29 million by beating France 6-4 in Saturday’s third-place final, while France will receive $27 million for finishing fourth.

Prize money FIFA will pay Spain, Argentina after World Cup final revealed

Transfer: Genk agree deal with Pisa for Durosinmi

KRC Genk have sealed agreement with Pisa for Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi, DAILY POST reports.

Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the agreement is worth €10.5 million, plus bonuses, with the selling club retaining a 10% sell-on clause.

The move will represent the biggest sale in Pisa’s history, overtaking the record set by Lorenzo Lucca’s transfer to Udinese in 2024.

Durosinmi arrived Pisa from Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen during the winter transfer window.

The striker is now set to begin a new adventure in Belgium.

The 23-year-old registered one goal, and one assist in 12 league appearances for the Black and Blues.

Transfer: Genk agree deal with Pisa for Durosinmi

WAFU B U-20 Tourney: Flying Eagles hit Abidjan for title defence

Holders Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Monday arrived Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for the defence of their WAFU B U-20 Championship title, DAILY POST reports.

The contingent, comprising players and officials, continued their journey to Yamoussoukro, the host city of the tournament, after arriving in Abidjan.

Nigeria will face eternal rivals Ghana, Togo, and Burkina Faso in Group B.

Justine Madugu’s side will open their campaign against the Black Satellites of Ghana at the Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro on Monday, 27 July.

They will face Togo in their second game three days later, before rounding up their group stage campaign against Burkina Faso on August 2.

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

WAFU B U-20 Tourney: Flying Eagles hit Abidjan for title defence

NPFL: Elijah Akanni move to Barau FC on a year deal

Akanni Elijah has completed a move to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Barau FC, DAILY POST reports.

Elijah joined the Kano-based club on a one-year deal.

The midfielder previously featured for Katsina United and Enyimba.

Elijah won the NPFL title with Enyimba in the 2022/23 season.

He made 62 appearances, scoring six goals for the nine-time NPFL champions during his three-year stay in Aba.

Elijah’s experience will be vital for Barau FC in the NPFL next season.

NPFL: Elijah Akanni move to Barau FC on a year deal

NPFL: Plateau United snap up former home-Eagles midfielder 

Plateau United have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Dayo Ojo, DAILY POST reports.

Ojo joined Plateau United on a free transfer after leaving from Beninoise side ASVO FC.

The experience midfielder penned one- year deal with the Peace Boys.

Ojo is expected to play a crucial role in Gbenga Ogunbote’s team next season.

DAILY POST recalls that Ogunbote tried to lure the player to Ibadan during his stint with Shooting Stars in 2025.

Ojo has a record of over 200 appearances in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

He has featured for Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars and Enyimba in the past.

NPFL: Plateau United snap up former home-Eagles midfielder 

Two months after Alex Ekubo death, IK Ogbonna shares emotional video tribute

Nollywood actor and director, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna, popularly known as IK Ogbonna, has paid an emotional tribute to his late best friend, Alex Ekubo, more than two months after the actor’s death.

The actor took to Instagram on Sunday to share a video compilation of their cherished moments together, filled with laughter and memories.

Captioning the video, he wrote: “It was all God. It was all love. It was all laughter. It was all dreams. It was all family. You will forever remain a part of us. Rest on, Ekuuuuu.”

The tribute comes days after Ogbonna publicly addressed Ekubo’s death for the first time.

Alex Ekubo died on May 12, 2026, after spending hours on life support.

Throughout the late actor’s burial rites and funeral proceedings, IK Ogbonna remained silent, with many interpreting his silence as his personal way of mourning the painful loss of his close friend.

However, on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, the actor broke his silence by sharing an emotional tribute on his Instagram page, expressing his grief over the loss.

His latest post and video compilation drew heartfelt reactions from fans, colleagues and well-wishers.

Watch video

Two months after Alex Ekubo death, IK Ogbonna shares emotional video tribute

2026 World Cup: Klopp confirms next managerial job

Former Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has confirmed he would be confirmed as the new head coach of Germany “in the next few days”.

Klopp is set to replace Julian Nagelsmann who was in charge for the 2026 World Cup.

Nagelsmann has already left the role following a poor outing at the tournament.

Germany’s loss on penalties to Paraguay marked the third straight early World Cup exit for the four-time champions, after group stage eliminations in Russia and Qatar.

“We’re not that far away from being able to make announcement,” Klopp told Magenta TV about the Germany job.

“Ideally, in the next few days.”

The 59-year-old as worked as Red Bull’s Sporting Director since he left Liverpool in the summer of 2024.

2026 World Cup: Klopp confirms next managerial job

NPFL to organise marketing workshops for clubs ahead new season 

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced a mandatory Commercial, Marketing and Media Workshop for all clubs ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

The league body made the announcement in a statement addressed to all clubs.

According to the statement, each club must be represented by two officials at the workshop.

The workshop is scheduled to hold in Enugu from Monday, July 27, to Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

The workshop is part of efforts to improve clubs’ commercial operations, branding and media engagement ahead of the new campaign.

The new season is scheduled to commence next month.

NPFL to organise marketing workshops for clubs ahead new season 

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