Category: Sports

Egypt head coach. Hossam Hassan, has claimed their last-16 match at the 2026 World Cup was rigged in favour of Argentina.

The Pharoahs threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 on Tuesday evening.

But some of the officiating calls left Hassan angry after the game.

“I will say what’s on my mind regardless of consequence,” Hassan said.

“This was clearly a rigged match and the whole world saw it.

“And I want to say one more thing: if they want [Argentina] to win so bad, why call everyone to come and participate?”

2026 World Cup: The match was rigged for Argentina – Egypt coach, Hassan

Midtjylland striker, Stanley Iheanacho, has disclosed that Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen serves as his primary role model after making a remarkable return to the Danish club in preparation for the 2026/27 season.

The Nigerian forward, who rejoined Midtjylland this summer after a successful tenure at Portuguese club CD Mafra, has had a highly productive pre-season.

Iheanacho has netted goals in each of the club’s three friendly matches against Lillestrøm, Malmö, and Silkeborg, bringing his total to three goals and reinforcing his bid for a significant role in the upcoming season.

In an interview with Midtjylland’s official media on Tuesday, Iheanacho acknowledged Galatasaray striker Osimhen as the athlete who continually motivates his growth both on and off the field.

“Yes, I admire Victor Osimhen (the Nigerian national team striker currently playing for Galatasaray, ed.). He is an incredible individual, a fighter who has overcome poverty,” Iheanacho stated.

“His warrior mentality is truly motivating, and he gives his all when he plays – he possesses an insatiable hunger for goals. I can see many qualities in him that resonate with me.”

The young striker also mentioned that he diligently analyzes Osimhen’s performances and interviews to enhance his own skills, while expressing his aspiration to one day play alongside the Nigeria international.

“I watch his highlights and all the interviews he participates in. I strive to learn from him, and my dream is to share the pitch with him someday,” Iheanacho concluded.

Iheanacho secured his return to Midtjylland following an impressive season with CD Mafra, where he concluded with 14 goals in the Portuguese Liga 3.

With his confidence elevated after a successful pre-season, the promising forward aims to maintain his prolific scoring streak into the 2026/27 season and justify the club’s decision to bring him back to Denmark.

‘I look up to Osimhen’ – Iheanacho

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, on Tuesday made history after missing a penalty in his side’s World Cup Round of 16 clash against Egypt.

DAILY POST reports that Yasser Ibrahim put Egypt in front in the 15th minute of the encounter.

Argentina was then awarded a penalty a few minutes later before half-time.

Messi stepped up to take the penalty, saw his effort being saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the North Africans.

However, Messi is now the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties at a single edition (excluding shootouts), according to OptaJoe.

Messi later scored a goal as Argentina won 3-2 against Egypt to qualify for the quarter-final.

World Cup 2026: Argentina’s Messi makes history after missing penalty against Egypt

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has said that he is hopeful that Morocco will upset France and further Africa’s historic journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Troost-Ekong commended the advancements made by African teams on the international stage, emphasizing Morocco’s extraordinary achievement at the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

He asserted that the performances of African teams in the current tournament demonstrate their ability to compete with the world’s elite.

Reflecting on Morocco’s historic campaign four years, Troost-Ekong said, “At the last World Cup, Morocco dismantled those barriers and showcased what is achievable.

“From what we have observed thus far in this tournament, numerous African teams, players, and individual performances have proven that they can stand toe-to-toe with the very best globally.

“I am very hopeful that this could be the World Cup where an African team surpasses Morocco’s achievements. If they reach that level, I hope they can go all the way,” he stated.

Morocco’s remarkable performances have once again positioned them as the leading African contenders in the tournament, and Troost-Ekong believes the Atlas Lions embody the continent’s best chance of making history.

As Morocco gears up for a highly anticipated match against France on Thursday, 9 July, Troost-Ekong feels they will once again bear the hopes of millions of African fans.

“Morocco is undoubtedly the first team that comes to mind,” he remarked.

Troost-Ekong also recognized the contributions of other African nations that made an impression during the tournament, highlighting the performances of Senegal and Ivory Coast prior to their eliminations.

He said, “Senegal and Ivory Coast both performed exceptionally well until their exits, and they were somewhat unfortunate.”

2026 World Cup: ‘I’m very hopeful’ – Troost-Ekong predicts Morocco vs France

Former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has insisted that Argentina captain Lionel Messi became an animal that nobody could catch.

Ibrahimovic said this while reacting to Argentina’s comeback win against Egypt at the World Cup.

Recall that Argentina came from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the World Cup Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday.

The Pharaohs scored twice through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, before three goals from Messi, Cristian Romero, and Enzo Fernandez gave Argentina the win against the North Africans.

“You can see that he [Messi] wanted it [the win]. You could see when it was 0-2, something changed. He moment, he took the ball, he made some dribble, dribbled two guys and made a cross,” Henry said on Fox Sports.

“He was after something, you could see it, and he is on a mission now. He will not let go, he didn’t want to leave this tournament, then he made the first assist for the first goal, then he scored the second goal, then finally somebody else helped him to get the winner.

“But you can see he switched gear, he became an animal, and nobody could catch him, he just went on. You could see how emotional he is, how much it means to him. Remember, he has already won this World Cup, a lot of trophies, Ballon d’Ors, FIFA player of the year awards, everything.”

World Cup 2026: ‘Messi became an animal, nobody could catch him’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Barau FC have announced July 13, 2026, as resumption date for the 2026-27 season, DAILY POST reports.

Twenty-one retained players will resume pre-season training for the upcoming season on the same date.

The newly signed players are expected to report to camp a day earlier.

Barau FC have retained technical adviser Eugene Agagbe for the new campaign.

The Maliya Boys have set their sights on another successful season.

Barau FC finished eighth in their maiden NPFL campaign last term.

NPFL: Barau FC announce date for pre-season training

Kenya Premier League club Tusker FC have announced the signing of Victor Mbaoma, DAILY POST reports.

Mbaoma linked up Tusker FC from Nigeria  Professional Football League, NPFL, side Remo Stars.

The 29-year-old, who penned a one-year contract with the Brewers registered 14 goals, and four assists for Remo Stars last season.

The striker is Tusker FC’s first acquisition ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Mbaoma will be playing in East Africa for the second time, having been in Rwanda where he played for APR, also clinching the golden boot with a 15-goal haul.

He has also played in Algeria for MC Alger,  and  Qizilqum Zarafshon in Uzbekistan.

The experienced forward will join his new teammates for pre-season training next week.

Transfer: Nigerian forward moves to Kenyan club Tusker FC

Former Portugal international, Ricardo Quaresma, has launched an attack on coach Roberto Martinez after the country’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Quaresma insisted that Portugal has never played a great game since Martinez was appointed head coach.

He added that he saw 50 tactics under Martinez, and none of them worked.

Recall that Portugal exited the World Cup after losing 1-0 to Spain in the Round of 16 yesterday.

After Portugal’s defeat, Martinez parted ways with the national team.

“For me, everything’s gone wrong from the beginning until now… Substitutions (were made) that I don’t understand,” Quaresma told LiveModeTV (via O Jogo).

“I’m tired of saying this, but Martinez never filled my eyes. Like it or dislike it, I don’t want to know whether they (the players) are upset or not, but we must have much more joy in this.

“Since Martinez arrived, I have not seen the national team play a great game. Saw 50 tactics, none of them worked.”

World Cup 2026: Ricardo Quaresma attacks Martinez after Portugal’s elimination

Galatasaray are pushing to sign Burnley midfielder, Lesley Ugochukwu this summer, DAILY POST reports.

Ugochukwu joined Burnley on a permanent transfer from Chelsea last summer.

The Nigerian-born midfielder is open to leaving the Clarets following their relegation from the Premier League.

According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, Galatasaray has made a new offer to Burnley after their initial bid was rejected.

The Yellow and Reds offered Burnley a package deal worth €24 million, consisting of a €2 million loan fee and a €22 million mandatory purchase option.

Ugochukwu scored three goals, and registered two assists in 38 appearances for Burnley last season.

Transfer: Galatasaray push to land Burnley midfielder Ugochukwu

AC Milan legend, Andrea Pirlo, has backed Atalanta’s Ederson to succeed in the Premier League as the midfielder edges closer to completing his move to Manchester United.

Man United have reportedly agreed to a €45 million deal with Atalanta to sign the 26-year-old.

“I think he’s a player suited to the Premier League: he’s a runner, dynamic and gritty,” Pirlo told the Daily Mail.

“I believe he’s a player capable of adapting very well to that league.”

Meanwhile, in another development, Tyrique George has completed a permanent transfer to Premier League club Everton from Chelsea.

George joined the Blues as an Under-8, and developed through the club’s youth system at Cobham.

“We thank Ty for his efforts throughout his time at Chelsea and wish him every success as he begins a new chapter in his career,” Chelsea’s statement partly read.

EPL: Pirlo predicts Ederson’s fate at Man Utd as Chelsea confirm deal for George