Category: Sports

Brazil President, Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, has joked that Neymar is “the first player in the world to be called up to the national side and be working remotely.”

The 80-year-old was speaking during a ceremony at a hospital in the southeast city of Belo Horizonte.

Neymar only returned to training with the squad this week after recovering from a calf injury.

The 34-year-old, who is Brazil’s record goalscorer with 79 goals, missed the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.

He has also been omitted by coach Carlo Ancelotti from the squad for their second group game against Haiti on Saturday.

“Neymar? He is not even playing!” Lula replied to a young boy when he mentioned Neymar’s name.

“Neymar is the first player to be called up (to the national team) who is working remotely.”

Neymar working remotely at 2026 World Cup — Brazil president

Former Aston Villa captain, Gabriel Agbonlahor, has urged Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to consider dropping captain Cristiano Ronaldo from his starting XI as they prepare to face Uzbekistan in their next World Cup tie.

Agbonlahor insisted that Ronaldo has passed his best, adding that he is not holding the ball up.

This comes after the Al-Nassr forward suffered criticism for his display against DR Congo this week.

“I don’t think he should [start]. I look at Portugal, I look at the players that they’ve got, I look at other strikers that maybe they could have played in front of Ronaldo,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.

“But when it isn’t going well, take him off. That is the only problem I have with it. If you are going to start him and it’s not working, 55-60 minutes off.

“It’s not working. He’s not holding the ball up. He’s coming too deep and trying to play a number 10.

“CR7, for whatever people think, he’s past his best. End of story. But its ego, isn’t it? Cristiano Ronaldo, you could say, is bigger than Portugal. Well, he is. Messi, his biggest rival this generation, has won the World Cup. Messi scored a hat-trick in his first game. Ronaldo’s thinking, I can do that.”

World Cup 2026: Portugal coach Martinez told to drop Ronaldo

Bayern Munich legend, Thomas Muller, has urged his old club to sign Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after his recent performance for Switzerland at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.

Manzambi was impressive, scoring a brace as Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.

The 20-year-old had attracted interest from Manchester United and other clubs this summer transfer window.

However, Muller wants the Bundesliga champions to make a move for Manzambi, insisting that he is a good player.

“He’s a good player overall. We have had him on our list for a while now,” Muller told MagentaTV.

“For me, he’s someone, and now we can make a headline that FC Bayern should also consider.

“You can sense his flexibility. You can also sense his carefree attitude.”

Transfer: He’s good – Muller tells Bayern Munich to sign Man Utd target

Portugal has shortlisted at least three candidates to replace Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup.

According to talkSPORT, Martinez is set to step down from the role after the tournament.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a reunion with captain Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Portugal is now considering Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira and Sérgio Conceição as possible replacements.

Jose Mourinho was lined up for the role, but despite serious discussions taking place, he opted for the Real Madrid job.

At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal began their campaign with a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

2026 World Cup: Portugal shortlists three managers as Martinez’ replacement after Mourinho snub

Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has insisted he does not support the idea of Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, becoming captain of the national team.

In recent years, William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa have retired from international football, leaving the skipper’s armband for other players.

Osimhen was among several names that have been suggested to become the recognised leader of the team.

However, Wilfred Ndidi was eventually appointed Super Eagles captain, with Osimhen and Moses Simon appointed as vice-captains.

When asked if Osimhen should be the captain, Adepoju told PM, Parrot: “Leadership requires more than talent.

“A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch.

“Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead.”

Why Osimhen cannot be Super Eagles captain – Mutiu Adepoju

Kwara United defender Kabiru Mohammed has parted ways with the club following the expiration of her contract.

Mohammed’s departure put an end to his three- year stay with the Harmony Boys.

The experienced centre- will now look to Join another club ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

Mohammed’s leadership and experience were key during his time at Kwara United.

He played a crucial role in Kwara United’s relegation survival last season.

Mohammed was part of the Kwara United’s side that won the President Federation Cup last year.

NPFL: Mohammed departs Kwara United after contract expiration 

El-Kanemi Warriors captain, Zayyad Musa, has praised Katsina fans after his side booked a place in the 2026 President Federation Cup final.

The Borno Army edged out Wikki Tourists 3-1 in the semi-final at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina on Wednesday.

Musa insisted that that the home crowd played a key role in his side’s victory.

“We played as if we were in Maiduguri,” Musa stated after the game.

“The atmosphere was so electric, and we are truly delighted with what the people of Katsina did for us.”

El-Kanemi Warriors will lock horns with Ikorodu City in the final of the President Federation Cup on Saturday, 11 July.

President Federation Cup: Musa thankful after El-kanemi’s win over Wikki Tourists

United States manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has named Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni as the best coach at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Pochettino spoke to the media ahead of the USA’s match against Australia on Friday.

The Argentine also insisted that he knows Scaloni’s coaching staff members very well.

“Many of Argentina’s players are world champions from Qatar. The coach [Lionel Scaloni] is the best one at this World Cup, and I know his staff very well, and the fans are amazing,” Pochettino said.

“And then the ‘cherry’ is Messi. It’s a difficult combination to play against.”

The USA and Argentina won their first matches at the World Cup against Paraguay and Algeria, respectively.

If Pochettino’s side tops Group D and Argentina win their Group, the two teams can only meet in the semi-final or the final.

World Cup 2026: USA coach, Pochettino names best coach at tournament

Inter Miami has reached an agreement to acquire Fricio Caicedo from LDU Quito.

The young defender was initially set to join Belgian club Royal Antwerp but has now been secured by the American side.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the Major League Soccer team has reached a deal to sign the center-back.

He stated, “Deal in place for the 2008-born center-back who was on the verge of joining Royal Antwerp… and is now heading to Inter Miami. Hijack accomplished.”

Caicedo attracted interest from the Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp in December 2025, and reports from Ecuador indicated that he had agreed to join the Belgian side in July 2026.

After representing Ecuador at the under-15, under-17, and under-20 levels, Caicedo was invited to first team training by manager Sebastián Beccacece in May 2025.

In May 2026, he received his first call-up to the full squad for the country’s training camp in the United States in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Caicedo made his international debut during Ecuador’s 2–1 friendly victory over Saudi Arabia on 30 May 2026, entering the match as a late substitute for Pervis Estupiñán.

Transfer: Inter Miami agrees deal to sign Caicedo

Werder Bremen forward, Victor Boniface, has disclosed how he used to collect salary advance from his club while playing in Norway.

Boniface explained that he collects salary advance because he must travel back to Nigeria every December.

Speaking with some friends in a video, the Super Eagles forward said the club in turn deducts the money.

He said: “When I was in Norway, I saved money to travel to Nigeria in December. And when it gets to December and I don’t have money, I usually collect two months advance.

“They will later deduct the money gradually because I must travel back to Nigeria in December.”

Boniface played for Norwegian side, FK Bodo/Glimt. He signed for the club in March 2019, making 66 appearances and scoring 23 goals before transferring to Belgian side, Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022.

https://twitter.com/it_Rutie/status/2067713889530216815/video/1

I used to collect salary advance to travel to Nigeria – Victor Boniface [VIDEO]