Category: Sports

Former France international, Emmanuel Petit, has urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to drop Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka from the Three Lions’ World Cup starting XI ahead of their opening match with Croatia on Wednesday.

Petit insisted that Saka struggled against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final last season.

According to him, the 24-year-old ‘doesn’t make an impact anymore’.

Asked if Saka deserves to start England’s opening match against Croatia, Petit told talkSPORT: “No; for me, no.

“We saw that in the Champions League final, he was struggling.

“He doesn’t make any impact anymore. I think there are better players who deserve to be in the first XI.

“And we’re not talking about Zidane or Messi, that kind of player, who even at 60 per cent, they should be on the pitch. Saka is not that kind of player.”

World Cup 2026: He struggled against PSG – Petit tells Tuchel to drop Arsenal star

Danish Superliga club FC Midtylland have re-signed Nigerian striker Stanley Iheanacho from Portuguese side CD Mafra.

Iheanacho penned a contract with the Danish giants until December 31, 2030.

The 21-year-old played for FC Midtylland before leaving for CD Mafra two years ago.

The talented forward registered 17 goals in 65 appearances for CD Mafra during his two-year stint at the club.

Iheanacho is eager to make a positive impact on his return to the club.

“I already know many of the team, as several of those I played with in the U19 team and in Mafra are now playing in the first team. I look forward to being part of the club again, hopefully winning titles and playing in the Europa League, ” he told the club’s official website.

Iheanacho completes move to Danish club FC Midtylland 

Rivers Angels forward, Abasiofon Uwah, has reacted to the controversy that followed the presentation of the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, top scorer award.

Uwah and Edo Queens Atume Doosuur both finished with 13 goals at the end of the 2025-26 NWFL season.

Only one award portrait was presented at the ceremony, which led to tension between the two players.

Uwah admitted that she overreacted after the award presentation to Doosuur.

“To everyone who has reached out, thank you for caring, and I want to be honest with you,” Uwah wrote in a statement

“Atume and I both gave everything this season to finish as joint top scorers. When only one award was presented, I held on, not out of anger, but because I had poured my heart into this season and that trophy represented every sacrifice I made.

“Still, looking back, I could have handled that moment better, and I acknowledge that.

“There is no bad blood between Atume and I. We represent each other as players and as people.”

Uwah, however, stated that the issue has been resolved by the league organisers.

NWFL: Rivers Angels’ Uwah reacts to top scorer award dispute

Manchester United have made it clear that both Manchester City and Liverpool cannot activate Marcus Rashford’s £40 million release clause.

Rashford is set to return to the Premier League club after Barcelona refused to trigger a €30m clause, which would have made his move to the LaLiga champions permanent.

Football transfer, Fabrizio Romano, gave an update on the 27-year-old’s future as it stands.

Romano wrote on X: “Marcus Rashford £40m release clause is not valid for Man City and Liverpool, the final decision stands with the player.

“He’s gonna assess all options, Man United too, including staying under Michael Carrick.”

Rashford is currently on international duty with England at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Man Utd name two EPL clubs blocked from activating Rashford’s £40m release clause

Kun Khalifat FC have expressed gratitude to captain Chikamso Amaefula ahead of his move away from the club.

Amaefula is reported to be close to a move to Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Rivers United.

Kun Khalifat praised the defender for his dedication throughout his stay with the club.

The Owerri-based club described him as hardworking, disciplined, and fully committed to the team’s goals.

Kun Khalifat wrote in a statement, “Kun Khalifat FC sends appreciation to Amaefula Chikamso as he begins his journey with Rivers United FC. 

“Chikamso was hardworking, disciplined, and fully committed to the team’s goals. He showed humility, respect, and a strong team spirit. Loyal to the badge and reliable.

“Your dedication and positive attitude made a real impact in the team.

“We wish you well in your new adventure.”

NPFL: Khalifat FC bid farewell to captain Amaefula

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has shared insights on how England coach, Thomas Tuchel communicated his exclusion from his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup.

The 33-year-old revealed that Tuchel reached out to the players who were not selected via FaceTime.

In making the tough decisions regarding his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Tuchel overlooked several prominent players, including Harry Maguire, who is a notable figure in English football.

Maguire had recently revitalized his career at Manchester United under the guidance of Michael Carrick, leading many to believe he would secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup squad due to his extensive experience in major tournaments with England.

Nevertheless, Tuchel’s final selection excluded Maguire, along with other notable players such as Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 66-cap England international has now disclosed how Tuchel approached the players who were not chosen.

During an appearance on Gary Lineker’s Rest is Football World Cup podcast, he stated, “He FaceTimed everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I received a text saying: ‘Can I speak to you about 4pm?’ It is quite a unique way of doing it and it must be quite hard because he can see everyone’s reactions. I said straightaway I was really disappointed. I thought I did enough to be in the squad and thought I could have helped and had a part to play on and off the pitch.

“He said he can’t give me an excuse but he had gone with the four lads who got him through the autumn. It was tough to take. I did think I would be in the squad after being selected for the March camp under him for the first time. I did really well in both games and then went back to Manchester United and finished the season really strongly.”

England is set to face Croatia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup in Group L on Wednesday, June 17, followed by games against Ghana and Panama on June 23 and June 27, respectively.

Harry Maguire reveals what Tuchel did after excluding him from England squad

Rivers United assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, is reported to be attracting interest from Equatorial Guinean club, Malabo United.

According to reports, Malabo United are looking to restructure their technical crew ahead of the new season and they have identified the young tactician as the ideal target.

Olanrewaju is highly regarded in the domestic scene in Nigeria following stints with MFM and Enyimba.

A decision from the coach is pending as he weighs the offer against his current project with Rivers United.

The NPFL side are expected to open talks to retain the young tactician amid the approach from abroad.

Rivers United finished as NPFL runners-up in the 2025-26 season behind Rangers.

Malabo United are yet to confirm details of the offer publicly.

Both clubs are expected to provide updates once Olanrewaju makes his decision on the next step in his coaching career.

NPFL: Rivers United assistant coach on Malabo United radar

Spain midfielder Rodri has hit out at Cape Verde’s tactical approach after the 0-0 draw in their World Cup opener on Monday.

The Manchester City star said Cape Verde didn’t have any interest in getting past the midfield, noting that they sat back during the encounter.

“It wasn’t meant to be. There’s little to complain about,” Rodri told La 1 shortly after the game.

“We knew it was a game that required patience. They sat back, and they dropped back very quickly. We couldn’t put it in. We created chances, but couldn’t finish.

“The positive thing is that they barely created anything against us. We need to improve our finishing.”

Spain will now face Saudi Arabia in their next game this weekend.

World Cup 2026: They don’t get past midfield – Rodri slams Cape Verde

The Abia state Government has commended Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, side Abia Angels for their impressive debut campaign in the Super Six playoff tournament.

Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, gave the commendation after the completion of the playoff competition.

Abia Angels finished the tournament in fourth position with five points.

Ananaba expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the competition.

“I must commend the players, coaches, and officials for their resilience throughout the games they played,” Ananaba stated after the competition in Port-Harcourt.

“They showed class, and I am hopeful they will get even better next season.”

Edo Queens were crowned the champions of the 2025-26 NWFL season.

NWFL: Abia Angels get commendation for Super Six performance

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Hermann Malonga as a new centre back from Paris Saint-Germain, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Malonga has accepted all terms offered by the Premier League giants and joins from PSG.

Meanwhile, in another development, Manchester United have identified West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville as a potential signing.

According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old Dutchman is among the candidates the Red Devils are considering as a possible left-wing signing.

Summerville is valued by West Ham at £50m, and it’s yet to be seen if he will end up joining Michael Carrick’s side.

Transfer: Man City secure Malonga’s signature as Man Utd go for Summerville