RNPFL: Super Eagles goalkeeper set for Bendel Insurance return

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie is on the verge of a return to Bendel Insurance, DAILY POST reportsm

Obasogie is currently on the books of Tanzania side, Sigida Black Stars.

The experienced shot stopper featured for Bendel Insurance in 2024 before his move abroad.

According to reports, Bendel Insurance are interested in re-signing the goalkeeper for the 2026-27 season.

Obasogie’s return would be a major boost for the Benin Arsenals as they aim for a strong outing in the NPFL next season.

He won the Federation Cup with the Benin-based club in 2023.

Obasogie won the prestigious NPFL Golden Glove award after keeping the most clean sheets during the season.

He was part of the Super Eagles 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, bronze winning squad.

RNPFL: Super Eagles goalkeeper set for Bendel Insurance return

Transfer: Arsenal announce fifth signing of the summer

Arsenal have announced their fifth summer transfer as the squad overhaul progresses.

Lisa Baum was confirmed the fifth addition to Arsenal Women’s team during this summer’s transfer window.

The club revealed that Baum joined from RB Leipzig, marking her as the fifth signing for the women’s team this summer.

According to football.london, the young player signed a contract that will keep her in North London until 2029, with an option for an additional year.

The Gunners had been negotiating for her transfer throughout the summer and are thrilled to welcome the promising young winger. At only 19 years old, Baum has already made a significant impact in the Bundesliga.

After joining RB Leipzig in 2025 following a successful period with Hamburger SV, it took just one season for her talent to attract the attention of the double European champions, who have been actively enhancing their squad this summer. Baum is expected to bring considerable quality to the wide positions available to coach Renee Slegers.

“I’m thrilled to join Arsenal, and I am eager to begin,” Baum expressed on Arsenal’s official website. “This league is incredibly competitive, and Arsenal is a prestigious club, so I am looking forward to challenging myself and competing against the best.

Baum joins fellow new signings Ona Batlle, Geraldine Reuteler, Selina Cerci, and Georgia Stanway, who have already made their way to the club.

Clare Wheatley, the Director of Women’s Football, has been very active in the transfer market and is pleased with this latest signing.

“We are excited to finalize the signing of Lisa,” Wheatley stated. “As one of the most highly regarded young wingers in Europe, Lisa has immense potential, and we believe this is the ideal environment for her to grow and excel. We look forward to witnessing her development here at Arsenal.”

Transfer: Arsenal announce fifth signing of the summer

World Cup: Wayne Rooney names player to replace Madueke in England vs Argentina

Former England forward, Wayne Rooney, has advised Thomas Tuchel to reinstate Marcus Rashford in the starting lineup, replacing Noni Madueke for the Three Lions’ World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

The Three Lions are now just two matches away from achieving greatness, with Jude Bellingham delivering a remarkable performance by scoring twice against Norway, propelling his team into the final four.

However, Tuchel’s squad faced challenges in the quarter-finals, initially falling behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s audacious goal in the 36th minute, which was quickly equalized by Bellingham just before half-time.

After 90 minutes, the teams remained level, but Bellingham’s rebound goal, scored merely three minutes into extra time, proved to be the turning point in Miami.

Argentina, the reigning champions, stand between England and their second World Cup final appearance, having narrowly defeated Switzerland to secure their place in the semi-finals.

The winner of tonight’s highly anticipated match in Atlanta will face European champions Spain, who comfortably overcame a lackluster France in Tuesday’s semi-final.

In a preview of the match on his BBC podcast, Rooney expressed his curiosity regarding the composition of Tuchel’s team, noting that England’s starting XI was uncertain in the hours leading up to kick-off.

When asked if he would suggest any alterations in Tuchel’s starting lineup, Rooney said, “I would position Jude in a three-man midfield, and although he [Tuchel] may not agree, I would opt for Rashford and Gordon.

“Rashford on the right and Gordon on the left, simply utilizing their speed.

“I would also select [Djed] Spence as the left-back for this match, considering Messi tends to drift to the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot, which would bring him onto Spence’s right foot.”

World Cup: Wayne Rooney names player to replace Madueke in England vs Argentina

World Cup: Kyle Walker reveals Messi’s weakness, warns England against man-marking

Former England right-back Kyle Walker has shared his insights with head coach Thomas Tuchel on how to stop Lionel Messi when the Three Lions face Argentina on Wednesday.

The Three Lions are set to face the reigning world champions, Argentina, in the semi-final at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

Messi has had an extraordinary tournament, and even at the age of 39, he continues to be Argentina’s most formidable asset.

The Inter Miami star has netted eight goals and provided two assists across six matches, placing him at the top of the scoring charts.

Kyle Walker, who earned 96 caps for England before retiring from international football in 2025, expressed admiration for Messi.

He pointed out that the former Barcelona and PSG star does not track back sufficiently, which could be a tactical advantage for England.

In his column for The Sun, he stated, “It’s difficult to pinpoint any weaknesses in Messi’s game. Perhaps the fact that he doesn’t engage in much defensive tracking could be one.

“However, he is supported by a strong team that enables him to focus on his strengths. The players around him understand his capabilities and work hard to facilitate his play.

“He conserves his energy for when he is in possession, which is a key factor in Argentina’s well-deserved victory in the 2022 World Cup. I am confident he will be highly motivated against England in the semi-final, aiming to defend the trophy.

“I was discussing with my teammates at Burnley whether we should employ a man-marking strategy against him. If we do, does that imply we are overly concerned about him, potentially neglecting the space behind him when he doesn’t recover as quickly as he ought to?

“I am open to man-marking, but I doubt its effectiveness for us, and he might view it as a personal challenge to prove that he cannot be contained in that manner. My advice would be to avoid provoking him.”

World Cup: Kyle Walker reveals Messi’s weakness, warns England against man-marking

NPFL: Musa leaves Kwara United, set for Niger Tornadoes move

Kwara United defender, Abdulafeez Musa, has ended his five years stay with the club, DAILY POST reports.

Musa is set to join Niger Tornadoes ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The experienced defender won the President Federation Cup title with the Harmony Boys during his time at the club.

He also played a key role in helping the Ilorin-based club avoid relegation last season.

Musa’s leadership and NPFL experience are expected to be a major asset for the new-look Niger Tornadoes squad.

He is also expected to add depth and stability to the Minna club’s defence.

NPFL: Musa leaves Kwara United, set for Niger Tornadoes move

2026 World Cup: Spain beat France 2-0, qualify for final

Spain outclassed France 2-0 in the first semi-final of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday night.

La Roja, who are the current European champions, are now on course to add the world title.

Luis de la Fuente’s men were control of the game from start to finish and went into the break with a goal advantage

Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the area and Mikel Oyarzabal smashed home the penalty that was awarded.

Pedro Porro latched onto Dani Olmo’s flick to calmly slot in the second.

Spain will now wait for the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina.

2026 World Cup: Spain beat France 2-0, qualify for final

World Cup 2026: ‘They’ll lose final’ – Owen identifies country that won’t win trophy

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker, Michael Owen, has identified England as the country that won’t win the 2026 World Cup.

According to Owen, England will qualify for the final but will lose against France or Spain.

The former England international admitted that both France and Spain are better than the Three Lions.

Owen spoke ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final fixture with Argentina on Wednesday.

“I think as an English fan, we can definitely get to the final,” Owen told Metro UK.

“I think we’d have more chance against Spain than France. But both of those teams would be favourites against us.

“I’m thinking we are going to get to the final and we are going to lose in the final. That is how I sort of see it.

“Of course, my heart says England, but my head says France are better than us; Spain are probably better than us.”

World Cup 2026: ‘They’ll lose final’ – Owen identifies country that won’t win trophy

Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He’s a phenomenon’ – Makelele picks player to win award

Former Chelsea midfielder, Claude Makelele, has picked France captain Kylian Mbappe as the player to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Makelele described Mbappe as a phenomenon, who is having an outstanding performance at the World Cup.

“I hope Mbappe wins the Ballon d’Or. He didn’t win many titles at Real Madrid this season, but his performance in the World Cup was outstanding,” Makelele told Marca.

“We called Ronaldo ‘the phenomenon’ for a reason, and Mbappe is the phenomenon of his generation.

“The scary thing is, he has more to prove. So yes, I am convinced he is the closest we have to a new R9.”

Mbappe is expected to rival the likes of Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele and, among others, for the Ballon d’Or.

Ballon d’Or 2026: ‘He’s a phenomenon’ – Makelele picks player to win award

Transfer: AIK invite Olawore  to train with first team

Swedish club AIK, have invited Nigerian winger Emmanuel Oluwafemi Olawore to train with their senior team this week.

Olawore is currently on the books of another Swedish club Umeå FC.

“AIK Football has invited Umeå FC’s 19-year-old winger Emmanuel Oluwafemi Olawore to train with the men’s team at Karlberg during week 29,” the club wrote on their official website.

The 19-year-old made the move to Sweden in February 2026, penning his first professional contract with Umeå after a successful trial.

Olawore registered three goals, and one assist in 14 appearances for Umeå.

He will be hoping to secure a transfer to AIK.

Transfer: AIK invite Olawore  to train with first team

World Cup: ‘They’re a pleasure to watch’ – Fernandez names team to win trophy

Former Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Fernandez, has backed France to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fernandez insisted that the Les Bleus are a pleasure to watch, adding that they have done an exceptional job so far at the tournament.

“France are such a pleasure to watch. They’ve done an outstanding job and, in Kylian Mbappe, who’s giving everything and is leading by example,” Fernandez said via FIFA’s website.

“The likes of Dembele, Barcola and the rest of the attacking players are also producing some exceptional football.

“The midfield and the defence look strong as well. I believe France has what it takes to win the World Cup.”

France will battle Spain in the World Cup semi-final for a place in the final.

World Cup: ‘They’re a pleasure to watch’ – Fernandez names team to win trophy

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