Category: Sports

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has shared insights on how England coach, Thomas Tuchel communicated his exclusion from his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup.

The 33-year-old revealed that Tuchel reached out to the players who were not selected via FaceTime.

In making the tough decisions regarding his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Tuchel overlooked several prominent players, including Harry Maguire, who is a notable figure in English football.

Maguire had recently revitalized his career at Manchester United under the guidance of Michael Carrick, leading many to believe he would secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup squad due to his extensive experience in major tournaments with England.

Nevertheless, Tuchel’s final selection excluded Maguire, along with other notable players such as Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 66-cap England international has now disclosed how Tuchel approached the players who were not chosen.

During an appearance on Gary Lineker’s Rest is Football World Cup podcast, he stated, “He FaceTimed everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I received a text saying: ‘Can I speak to you about 4pm?’ It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone’s reactions. I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.

“He said he can’t give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the autumn. It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly.”

England is set to face Croatia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup in Group L on Wednesday, June 17, followed by games against Ghana and Panama on June 23 and June 27, respectively.

Harry Maguire reveals what Tuchel did after excluding him from England squad

Rivers United assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, is reported to be attracting interest from Equatorial Guinean club, Malabo United.

According to reports, Malabo United are looking to restructure their technical crew ahead of the new season and they have identified the young tactician as the ideal target.

Olanrewaju is highly regarded in the domestic scene in Nigeria following stints with MFM and Enyimba.

A decision from the coach is pending as he weighs the offer against his current project with Rivers United.

The NPFL side are expected to open talks to retain the young tactician amid the approach from abroad.

Rivers United finished as NPFL runners-up in the 2025-26 season behind Rangers.

Malabo United are yet to confirm details of the offer publicly.

Both clubs are expected to provide updates once Olanrewaju makes his decision on the next step in his coaching career.

NPFL: Rivers United assistant coach on Malabo United radar

Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at Cape Verde’s tactical approach after the 0-0 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday.

The Manchester City star said Cape Verde didn’t have any interest in getting past the midfield, noting that they sat back during the encounter.

“It wasn’t meant to be. There’s little to complain about,” Rodri told La 1 shortly after the game.

“We knew it was a game that required patience. They sat back, and they dropped back very quickly. We couldn’t put it in. We created chances, but couldn’t finish.

“The positive thing is that they barely created anything against us. We need to improve our finishing.”

Spain will now face Saudi Arabia in their next game this weekend.

World Cup 2026: They don’t get past midfield – Rodri slams Cape Verde

The Abia state Government has commended Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, side Abia Angels for their impressive debut campaign in the Super Six playoff tournament.

Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, gave the commendation after the completion of the playoff competition.

Abia Angels finished the tournament in fourth position with five points.

Ananaba expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the competition.

“I must commend the players, coaches, and officials for their resilience throughout the games they played,” Ananaba stated after the competition in Port-Harcourt.

“They showed class, and I am hopeful they will get even better next season.”

Edo Queens were crowned the champions of the 2025-26 NWFL season.

NWFL: Abia Angels get commendation for Super Six performance

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Hermann Malonga as a new centre back from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Malonga has accepted all terms offered by the Premier League giants and joins from PSG.

Meanwhile, in another development, Manchester United have identified West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville as a potential signing.

According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old Dutchman is among the candidates the Red Devils are considering as a possible left-wing signing.

Summerville is valued by West Ham at £50m, and it’s yet to be seen if he will end up joining Michael Carrick’s side.

Transfer: Man City secure Malonga’s signature as Man Utd go for Summerville

England winger, Bukayo Saka, has said he is ready to keep gambling on his fitness for the good of the team’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Saka on Monday, declared himself fit to feature in the Group L opener with Croatia in Dallas.

The 24-year-old is dealing with a persistent Achilles problem, which he picked up playing for Arsenal.

Ahead of the World Cup, manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that Saka was unable to train on consecutive days.

But Saka has now told reporters that players take to pitch even when they are not fully fit.

“As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” Saka said.

“You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.”

2026 World Cup: I’m ready to gamble – Saka speaks ahead of England vs Croatia

Former Manchester United star, Antonio Valencia, has backed Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres to compete for the World Cup Golden Boot.

This comes after Gyokeres led Sweden to beat Tunisia 5-1 in their World Cup opener today.

“I can see Viktor Gyokeres fighting for the Golden Boot,” Valencia told Hajper.

“He has had a good season and a good Champions League, but we know there are also other interesting players who have done things well.”

Gyokeres will now hope to lead Sweden to victory when they face the Netherlands in their next game on Saturday.

The Arsenal star had a wonderful campaign with the Gunners last season as he helped them to win the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final.

World Cup 2026: Antonio Valencia picks player to compete for Golden Boot

Kano Pillars have said that the club remains focused on rebuilding ahead of the 2026–27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Sai Masu Gida insisted that they are aware of malicious and misleading allegations being circulated by certain individuals and groups.

They said they are carefully reviewing every allegation in the public domain and will provide responses backed by facts and verifiable records in due course.

Kano Pillars insisted that constructive criticism is essential for growth.

The club condemned deliberate misinformation, character assassination and attempts to create unnecessary tension around the team.

The ongoing transformation agenda is designed to reposition the club as a model football institution, guided by transparency, accountability and a renewed commitment to excellence.

DAILY POST recalls that Kano Pillars General Manager Ahmed Musa dissolved the entire management team following the completion of the 2025–26 NPFL season.

NPFL: Kano Pillars vow to stay focused on rebuilding process 

Former Crystal Palace forward, Clinton Morrison, has warned England manager Thomas Tuchel that the Three Lions has no chance of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup without ‘brilliant’ striker Harry Kane.

Tuchel is aiming to end England’s 60 years of wait without a World Cup.

Recall that the last time England won the World Cup trophy was in 1966, their first in the history of the competition.

“Let me tell you something, if Harry Kane is not fit or not available, England have no chance of winning the World Cup,” Morrison was quoted by Metro as telling Free Bets. “That is my honest opinion.

“He’s had an outstanding season for Bayern Munich. Brilliant striker, brilliant captain, leads by example. He is the key to everything England want to do.”

Kane had a brilliant campaign with Bayern Munich last season as he helped them to win the Bundesliga.

World Cup 2026: England have no chance – Morrison warns Tuchel about Kane

Nigerian youngster Olashile Musa Lawal has sealed a move to Danish outfit FC Midtjylland, DAILY POST reports.

Lawal linked up with the Wolves from Nigerian academy side FC Ebedei.

The 18-year-old will join FC Midtjylland’s U-19 squad, where he is expected to progress to the first team.

Lawal is looking forward to making a big impact at his new club.

“It means an incredible amount to me. Since I was little, I have dreamed of taking this very step,” Lawal told the club’s official website.

“I have a lot of goals for myself, and I know this is a big step in the right direction for me. I want to help the team and show what I can do as part of the academy.”

A number of Nigerian players, including Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika, have played for FC Midtjylland in the past.

Transfer: FC Midtylland sign Nigerian youngster Lawal