Category: Sports

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George has said it is important for his team to prepare adequately for the new season, DAILY POST reports.

The Pride of Rivers fell short in their title ambition last season, finishing second behind Rangers International.

The Port Harcourt club started pre-season training on Monday as they look forward to a more successful campaign.

Finidi said starting pre-season training early will give his team the chance to compete well next season.

The former Nigeria international further said it is important to integrate new players into the squad.

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“The early period of pre-season will be focused on building fitness levels, establishing tactical cohesion and integrating our new signings into the squad”, Finidi told the club’s media.

“With the demands of continental football, we must prepare thoroughly from the outset,” he said.

Rivers United will compete on three fronts next season, the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, CAF Champions League, and President Federation Cup.

NPFL: Finidi sets agenda for Rivers United ahead new season 

Brazil midfielder Casemiro on Monday became the second-oldest player in his country’s FIFA World Cup history to score a goal.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star achieved this feat after scoring in the 56th minute against Japan in the World Cup Round of 32 encounter as Brazil won 2-1.

The outcome of the match means Brazil is now through to the World Cup Round of 16.

However, Casemiro (34 years and 126 days old) is now the second-oldest goalscorer in Brazilian FIFA World Cup history, behind only Bebeto.

Recall that Bebeto scored against Denmark on July 3, 1998, at 34 years and 137 days old.

World Cup 2026: Casemiro becomes second-oldest Brazilian goalscorer after Bebeto

The Nationwide League One, NLO, has suspended the rescheduled playoff fixture between FC Ebedei and Yewa FA due to a reported breach of integrity involving match officials.

The encounter which was initially scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June, 2026, at Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos, following administrative review of the match commissioner’s and officials’ reports from the initial fixture.

The match will now be played on Wednesday, 1 July 1, 2026, at the same venue.

DAILY POST reports that the game was stopped in the 45th minute with a goalless scoreline.

A new set of referees will be appointed by the NFF Referees Appointment Committee for the remaining duration.

The NLO stated that their was critical discrepancies and compromises surrounding how the encounter was handled and reported initially.

NLO suspends rescheduled FC Ebedei vs Yewa FA playoff over integrity breach

Brazil became the second team to book their spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, thanks to a 2-1 win over Japan on Monday night.

Selecao were stunned in the first half, after Kaishu Sano opened the scoring for the Asian champions.

But after the break, Carlo Ancelotti brought on Endrick to sharpen up his side’s attack.

The substitution paid dividends as Casemiro rose highest to head in Gabriel’s cross for the equalizer.

With the game drifting away into extra time, Bruno Guimaraes found Gabriel Martinelli inside the area and the Arsenal forward found the bottom corner.

Brazil join co-hosts Canada in the next round and will face either Norway or Cote d’Ivoire.

2026 World Cup: Two teams qualify for Round of 16

Two countries have been eliminated from the ongoing World Cup Round of 32 stage.

They are Japan and South Africa, respectively.

Japan is the latest country to be sent packing out of the competition after losing 2-1 against Brazil on Monday.

Recall that two goals from Casemiro and Gabriel Martinelli gave Brazil the victory against Japan, as Kaishu Sano’s goal was not enough.

Japan has now joined South Africa in exiting the World Cup tournament.

Recall that the Bafana Bafana had lost 1-0 against Canada on Sunday, and as a result, they were eliminated from the competition.

World Cup 2026: Two countries eliminated from Round of 32

Chelsea have released a statement in which they blamed former manager, Enzo Maresca, for how the 2025/2026 campaign unravelled. 

The Blues claimed Maresca informed the club that he is keen to replace Guardiola at Manchester City. 

This eventually led to the Italian’s resigning in December 2025. 

Guardiola himself left City at the end of the season. 

Chelsea’s statement read: “Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period.

“Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026.

“In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.

“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.

“In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.

“No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the Club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation.

“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation.”

EPL: Maresca told us he wants to replace Guardiola – Chelsea release statement

Chelsea have released a statement in which they blamed former manager, Enzo Maresca, for how the 2025/2026 campaign unravelled. 

The Blues claimed Maresca informed the club that he is keen to replace Guardiola at Manchester City. 

This eventually led to the Italian’s resigning in December 2025. 

Guardiola himself left City at the end of the season. 

Chelsea’s statement read: “Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period.

“Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026.

“In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season.

“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.

“In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.

“No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the Club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation.

“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation.”

EPL: Maresca told us he wants to replace Guardiola – Chelsea release statement

Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba will submit his final squad for the WAFU B U-20 Championship on Friday, 10 July, DAILY POST reports.

The defending champions opened camp for the competition earlier this month in Abuja.

Abdu Maikaba’s side are expected to leave Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for the competition on Monday, 20 July, according to SCORENigeria.

The WAFU B U-20 Championship will serve as the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria won the last edition of the competition in Niamey, Niger.

This year’s edition will be played between July 26 and August 9.

WAFU U-20 Tourney: Maikaba to submit Flying Eagles final squad July 10

Shooting Stars have completed the signing of defender Issa Yusuf from Bayelsa United for the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

Yusuf signed a one-year contract with the Oluyole Warriors.

His arrival will help bolster the Ibadan-based club’s defence line in the new season.

Yusuf made 25 appearances, scoring twice for Bayelsa United last season.

He is expected to hit the ground running as Nurudeen Aweroro’s side prepare to improve on last season’s performance.

Shooting Stars will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next term.

NPFL: Shooting Stars sign defender Yusuf from Bayelsa United

Kun Khalifat defender Lekan Gabriel is attracting interest from Enyimba and Warri Wolves.

According to reports, Enyimba and Warri Wolves have shown concrete interest in the player ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Gabriel featured regularly for Kun Khalifat last season, earning a reputation for his aggressive marking.

The centre-back is now set for a lucrative move, which will be a reward for his consistency, and hardwork.

Enyimba and Warri Wolves are seeking defensive reinforcements to better their performance from last season.

The NPFL transfer window remains open, and a move for Gabriel appears possible if negotiations progresses.

NPFL: Enyimba, Warri Wolves target Kun Khalifat defender Lekan Gabriel