Category: Sports

Spain have eliminated Portugal from the 2026 World Cup.

Both Iberian countries faced each other in the last-16 of the competition.

With the match heading to extra time, Mikel Merino came off the bench to finish off a fine team move.

Spain will now face either co-hosts United States of America or Belgium in the next round.

It could also be the last time we see Cristiano Ronaldo on the international stage.

As it stands, two quarter-final fixtures have now been confirmed.

England will face Norway, while France will take on Morocco.

2026 World Cup: Spain eliminate Portugal as five teams qualify for quarter-final

Abia Warriors have commenced pre-season training for the 2026-27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The Umu Chineke held their first training session at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Monday.

The training session was supervised by head coach Imama Amapakabo.

Abia Warriors missed out on a continental slot last season.

The Umuahia club finished in seventh position in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, table.

Abia Warriors are expected to fortify their squad with new players before the start of the new season.

The 2026-27 NPFL season will commence on Friday, 28 August.

NPFL: Abia Warriors begin pre-season training ahead new season 

Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has predicted the quarter-final clash between England and Norway at the 2026 World Cup.

Neville believes the Three Lions have what it takes to send Erling Haaland co home.

He however admits it would be a tough encounter.

England beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 to qualify, while Haaland’s brace eliminated Brazil.

The two European nations will come up against each other at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday.

“I think we should be favourites to beat Norway but it’s going to be really tough,” Neville said.

“I thought Martin Odegaard played as well against Brazil.”

2026 World Cup: Gary Neville predicts England vs Norway quarter-final clash

Cape Verde defender Lopes Cabral has been named winner of Goal of Round 32 at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, DAILY POST reports.

Cabral won the award for his superb strike in Cape Verde’s pulsating 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

The 23-year-old cut in from the left wing and curled a magnificent effort beyond Emiliano Martinez early in the second half.

The full-back won 88.7 per cent of the public vote.

Lionel Messi came second with 4.1 per cent for his own strike in the same game, while Japan’s Kaishu Sano was third (1.9 per cent) for his goal against Brazil.

Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov won the Goal of the Group Stage for his effort against Democratic Republic of Congo.

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s Cabral pips Messi to Round of 32 Best Goal honour 

Muhammad Babaganaru has expressed disappointment with his disenchantment by Kano Pillars.

Babaganaru helped the Sai Masu maintained their top-flight status last season after a difficult start to the campaign.

The experienced tactician side that he had already agreed on a contract extension with the former board

Babaganaru revealed that he turned down offers from Barau FC, Niger Tornadoes, and Katsina United out of loyalty and respect for Kano Pillars.

“We had a deal with the former management that I would be given a new contract,” Babaganaru was quoted by Nigerian Players Gallery.

“We talked it over and reached an agreement. The only thing holding us back was that the paperwork wasn’t ready, so we planned to finalize it the next day. But then, the management changed.

“I was hoping they would get in touch, even if they didn’t want to continue with me. I just thought they should at least talk to me first. But they didn’t.

“I felt betrayed and unappreciated for the sacrifices I made while I was there. I turned down three offers from different clubs because we had an understanding that I would be kept on.”

It would be recalled that the Kano State government appointed a new management team for the four-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions.

The new management team led by Ahmad Musbahu Garo appointed Daniel Ogunmodede as the new technical adviser last week ending Babaganaru’s tenure.

NPFL: Babaganaru laments Kano Pillars rejection 

Kano Pillars are targeting a strong finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, after commencing preparations for the 2026/27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The Sai Masu Gida regroup for pre-season training at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata on Monday morning.

Chief coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, supervised the training session alongside assistant coach Gambo Muhammad and goalkeepers’ trainer, Suleiman Shuaibu.

Daniel Ogunmodede, the newly appointed technical adviser is expected to arrive Kano this week.

Kano Pillars, who managed to maintain their top-flight status last season are targeting a top three finish in the 2026/27 campaign.

The new season will kick-off on Friday, 28 August, 2026.

NPFL: Excitement as Kano Pillars commence preparations for new season

Former France striker, Thierry Henry, has sent a message of appreciation to Neymar for what he has done for the game of football.

Henry was speaking on Fox Sports after Norway defeated Brazil in a World Cup Round of 16 encounter on Sunday.

Recall that Neymar scored a late penalty as two goals from Erling Haaland ensured Norway eliminated Brazil to progress to the quarter-final, where they will face England.

Henry thanked Neymar and labelled him as an outstanding player.

The Frenchman insisted that the Santos forward, who announced his retirement from international football, changed the game with how he was playing it.

“I don’t want to talk about the World Cup or how he finished, I want to talk about what he has given to the game,” Henry said of Neymar.

“This is a guy I would pay to watch. Simple as that. He would make anyone love the game with the way he was. His goals, his smile, the way he went about it with the skills. Anyone young wanted to be Neymar. This guy changed the game with how he was playing it.

“Neymar was and always will be an outstanding player. Thank you for what you’ve done. I’ve enjoyed it.”

World Cup 2026: Thierry Henry sends message to Neymar after Brazil’s elimination

Former Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has said missing out on consecutive World Cups should be a catalyst for positive change for the team, DAILY POST reports.

The three-time African champions were beaten on penalities by Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of African playoffs.

Nigeria’s last appearance at the World Cup was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Russia.

Troost-Ekong said it is important for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to put a proper plan in place to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the 2030 World Cup.

“It would have been wonderful to see them compete, but I also think this serves as an important lesson,” Troost-Ekong told Supersport.

“We need to reflect on our preparation and identify what needs to change in order to reach the next level ahead of the next World Cup.”

How Super Eagles can qualify for 2030 World Cup – Troost-Ekong 

Rivers United have completed the signing of Shola Oladunjoye for the 2026-27 season, DAILY POST reports. 

Oladunjoye joined the Pride of Rivers from Sporting Lagos.

The youngster left Sporting Lagos on a free transfer after failing to sign a new contract.

He was scouted by Rivers United in the Nigeria National League, NNL, last season.

Oladunjoye played a crucial role in Sporting Lagos’ promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, last term.

The move to Rivers United will allow him play continental football for the first time.

NPFL: Rivers United sign free-agent Shola Oladunjoye

Holders Super Falcons of Nigeria will open camp in Mohammedia, Morocco on July 15 ahead of their title defence at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, DAILY POST reports.

The Super Falcons will spend one week in Mohammedia before moving to Rabat for their Group C matches.

Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to release his final squad for the competition before the team jet off to Morocco.

The Super Falcons defeated Senegal twice in friendlies last month.

Nigeria will be aiming to win a record-extending 11th title at the WAFCON 2026 finals.

The West Africans will open their campaign against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July.

Their second game against Zambia will hold at the same ground on Saturday, 1 August.

The Super Falcons will round up their group stage campaign against Egypt at the Olympic Stadium, Rabat on Wednesday, 5 August.

WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons open camp in Mohammedia July 15