Category: Sports

Brazilian legend Cafu has snubbed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo while naming the four greatest players in football history.

Cafu spoke in an interview with the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo” after watching Argentina captain Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick as his country defeated Algeria 3-0 in the World Cup this week.

The former defender insisted that the likes of Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona and Pele are the greatest players in football history, adding that they have changed the sport.

“Maradona is the embodiment of football art, as are Messi, Pele, and Ronaldinho. So, when I see those unique and brilliant players, I really enjoy it,” Cafu said.

“In my opinion, these four players are on par and are the four greatest players in history. 

“These four players truly changed the sport and are still changing it today.”

World Cup 2026: Cafu snubs Ronaldo, names four greatest players of in history 

Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba will host the final of this year’s men’s and women’s President Federation Cup on Saturday, 11 July, DAILY POST reports.

Ikorodu City will face El-kanemi Warriors in the final of the men’s competition.

Both teams defeated Nasarawa United and Wikki Tourists respectively in the semi-final on Wednesday.

Ikorodu City will be chasing their first title, while El-kanemi will be looking to win the trophy for the fourth time.

The winner will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

The women’s competition has reached the semi finals, with FC Robo Queens, Heartland Queens, Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons reaching the last four.

President Federation Cup: Asaba to host final July 11 

Doma United have appointed Deji Ayeni as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The Savannah Tigers gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season.

Ayeni previously managed nine-time NPFL champions, Enyimba.

The gaffer has also coached Sunshine Stars, Akwa United and Crown FC in the past.

He expressed his delight after signing the contract papers.

“I am honoured to be part of this ambitious project. Doma United have shown a great desire to succeed, and together with the players, management and supporters, we will work hard to achieve our objectives,” Ayeni said.

NPFL: Doma United appoint Ayeni as new head coach 

Ondo State Football Association, ODSFA, Chairman, Divine Ogbonnaya, has praised Sunshine Queens for their resilience and professionalism in the President Federation Cup victory over Confluence Queens.

The Akure-based side defeated Confluence Queens 1-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Ogbonnaya described the qualification as a result of the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

He said the players showed the right mentality to overcome a tough opponent.

“The girls showed tremendous character and tactical maturity against a very strong opposition,” Ogbonnaya told the club’s media after the game.

“Their determination and discipline throughout the game were commendable, and they fully deserved the victory.”

Ogbonnaya charged the team not to relent as they prepare for a semi-final showdown.

“Push harder, pray harder, and write your names in gold. The journey is not over yet, and I believe you have what it takes to go all the way.”

President Federation Cup: ODSFA boss hails Sunshine Queens’ resilience after quarter-final win

Nasarawa United Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, has described the 2025/26 season as one of progress for the team.

The Solid Miners finished in sixth position in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season.

Nasarawa United also reached the semi-final of the President Federation Cup.

Babanjah, however, said that his wish was to end the campaign with a trophy.

“Trophies are the goal for any team contending in the league or cup competition, but you don’t build dynasties in one season,” Babanjah told the club’s media.

“The 2025/26 season would be remembered as one of progress, even though we couldn’t lay our hands on any trophy or secure a continental ticket.

“We wish we could cap the campaign with something to appreciate our loyal supporters and fans for always standing by us.”

Babanjah insisted that the club has laid the foundation for a successful campaign next season through early preparation.

“Nonetheless, we have laid the foundation. We are working on rejigging our squad ahead of next season.

“Early preparation is key, and God helping us, we should have an eventful campaign in 2026/27,” he remarked.

President Federation Cup: Nasarawa United making progress despite semi-final exit – Babanjah 

Nasarawa United captain King Osanga has lamented the team’s exit from the President Federation Cup, DAILY POST reports.

The Solid Miners lost 4-2 on penalities to Ikorodu City in their semi-final encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Wednesday

The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Ayoola Ibrahim gave Ikorodu City the lead in the 11th minute, while Bright Amadi restored parity for Mbwas Mangut’s side four minutes before the break.

Osanga couldn’t hide his disappointment after his team’s elimination from the competition.

“This truly hurts, no doubts. We wanted to bring a trophy home for our great supporters and fans, but look at the journey” Osanga told the club’s media.

“We have grown, we have competed with the best, and we have built something here.

“Everyone is hurt, but we have to put the pains of this behind us and rebuild ahead of next season.”

President Federation Cup: Osanga laments Nasarawa United’s exit

New Real Madrid signing, Marc Cucurella, has said he had “no doubts” about signing for the Spanish giants, following his £52m move from Chelsea.

Cucurella revealed he had a phone call with new head coach Jose Mourinho before signing.

“When Madrid came I didn’t think about it, it’s a unique opportunity. Playing for Real Madrid is an honour and not many players can say it, so I had no doubts,” he told Spanish outlet El Mundo.

“He told me that he really wanted to work with me, that I was going to adapt very well, that Madrid was a great club. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Cucurella is one of three high-profile arrivals already confirmed to join the club this summer alongside Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate, with Denzel Dumfries set to follow.

LaLiga: Cucurella reveals details of phone call with Mourinho before Real Madrid move

Nasarawa United technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut, has commended his team’s performance despite their elimination from the President Federation Cup.

The Solid Miners suffered a 4-2 defeat against Ikorodu City in Benin City on Wednesday.

The encounter finished 1-1 in regulation time.

Mangut admitted that his players created more scoring chances but failed to convert them.

“We exit the President Federation’s Cup with our heads high,” Mbwas stated after the game.

“The boys gave everything. We didn’t lose this tie, penalties just didn’t fall for us today, but rest assured that next season, we will come back stronger and better.”

President Federation Cup: Mangut hails players despite Ikorodu City loss

The Nationwide League One, NLO, has issued a final reminder to all clubs regarding registration compliance for the Division Two U-19 Youth League.

The league body warned that failure to meet the June 30, 2026 deadline will result in exclusion from season fixtures.

The NLO said strict adherence to all directives is required as preparations intensify for the 2026 season.

Clubs must complete both payment and player’s registration on the official NLO portal before the deadline expires.

The organizers mandates that all clubs must be affiliated with their respective state Football association and pay the annual registration fee as determined by the NLO Board.

Any club in violation of this payment would be assumed to have withdrawn her participation in the league.

Clubs are required to submit proof of payment, including bank tellers or transfer receipts, to the NLO accounts department for confirmation.

The NLO U-19 Youth League is scheduled to kick off on July 24, 2026.

NLO issues final reminder on U-19 Youth League registration deadline

Details of Real Madrid’s deal for Ibrahima Konate have been revealed.

Konate officially joined the Los Blancos from Liverpool on Thursday.

Real Madrid announced in a statement that the defender has reached an agreement to join the Spanish LaLiga giants.

Konate will remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the next four seasons, until  June 30, 2030.

This is coming after Real Madrid signed Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.

Real Madrid are eager to bolster their new manager, Jose Mourinho’s squad ahead of next season.

Transfer: Details of Real Madrid’s deal for Konate revealed