Category: Sports

The story of how Nigerian born Folarin Balogun became eligible to represent the United States national football team has emerged.

The Monaco striker scored twice for the United States Men’s National Team in the 4-1 win against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Balogun qualifies to represent the USMNT due to his birth in the United States 24 years ago. His US citizenship was an unexpected development, as recounted by his mother, Florence, in an interview with ESPN.

Florence, as quoted by ESPN, had traveled from London to the USA while seven months pregnant with Balogun. Upon attempting to return to London from New York, the airline denied her boarding due to her pregnancy, resulting in her giving birth to her son in Brooklyn, New York.

Within a month of his birth, Florence returned to London with baby Folarin and enrolled him in the Arsenal academy at the age of eight. He progressed through the ranks of the Premier League champions and represented England up to the U-21 level, while also participating in youth teams for the USA on occasion.

In 2023, he made the decision to join the USMNT and was entrusted by coach Mauricio Pochettino to spearhead the attack in the victory over Paraguay.

FIFA World Cup 2026: How airline made Folarin Balogun eligible to play for USA

Santos forward Neymar accepted three conditions before he was included in Brazil’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This was disclosed by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport via Instagram, Balague listed the conditions.

“So he’s been given three conditions. One, that he won’t be one of the captains,” Balague said.

“Two, that he will be a substitute. That’s it, he probably won’t start any game.

“And three, can he limit his time on social media? And he said yes to all of that because he wants to be a part of the squad.”

Neymar did not feature in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco on Saturday because of a calf injury.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star will hope to recover on time to play against Haiti in Brazil’s next match in the coming days.

The 34-year-old is Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals and 59 assists in 128 appearances.

World Cup 2026: Three conditions Neymar accepted before Ancelotti included him in Brazil squad

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Bradley Barcola, has handed in a transfer request after interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

The French international was a regular for PSG last season.

The 23-year-old scored 13 goals in all competitions as he won the UEFA Champions League and the Ligue 1 with the Parisians.

However, Barcola was dropped for the Champions League final against Arsenal as Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia started ahead of him in attack.

According to talkSPORT, Barcola had asked to leave PSG following interest from the Premier League duo.

Barcola normally plays on PSG’s left flank, and that is the same area Arsenal are looking to strengthen in the transfer window.

It’s yet to be seen if Barcola will end up joining the Premier League champions in the coming season.

Transfer: Barcola decides to leave PSG after interest from Arsenal

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has named two Nigerian players that could have helped Morocco beat Brazil 3-1 if they were from the North African country.

He commended Morocco for their performance against Brazil in their 2026 World Cup opener.

He said that the African champions might have achieved a convincing win had they possessed forwards with attributes akin to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

In a Group C match at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday morning, the Atlas Lions were forced to settle for a draw with five-time world champions Brazil, as Vinicius Jr equalized Ismael Saibari’s goal.

The Moroccan forwards were unable to capitalize on their chances, with only three of their 14 attempts on goal, in contrast to Brazil’s five shots on target from 12 attempts.

Despite generating numerous promising chances, Morocco was unable to convert their dominance into goals.

In response to the match, Oliseh emphasized Morocco’s advancement and proposed that the inclusion of a clinical striker or a dynamic forward like Osimhen or Lookman could have altered the outcome.

“This Moroccan team delivered an impressive performance, demonstrating solid defensive and offensive organization. If they had players similar to Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman against Brazil, they could have won by a score of three to one at the very least,” Oliseh said on X.

The two-time World Cup participant also noted Brazil’s apparent vulnerabilities despite their esteemed reputation, suggesting they were fortunate to have two world-class talents.

“Brazil seemed deceptive, and thankfully they had Vinícius Jr and Raphinha. I appreciated the confidence and development shown by the Moroccans,” he added.

Morocco is set to play again on June 19, facing Scotland in their next group-stage match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

World Cup 2026: Oliseh names two Super Eagles players that would’ve helped Morocco beat Brazil

Brazil winger Vinicius has vowed that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will improve in their next match after failing to beat Morocco in Saturday’s World Cup encounter.

Vinicius scored Brazil’s only goal of the match after Ismael Saibari had put Morocco in front.

The World Cup opener ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes as both Brazil and Morocco got a point each.

In a post on Instagram after the game, the Real Madrid star wrote, “Thank you God, we want more and will improve. Let’s go together, Brazil.”

Brazil’s next World Cup tie is against Haiti on Saturday, June 19.

They will face Scotland in their final game of the group stage on June 24.

World Cup 2026: Vinicius makes promise after Brazil fail to beat Morocco

Ranchers Bees have appointed Jide Bodunde as their new secretary, DAILY POST reports.

The club announced the appointment as part of moves to strengthen its administrative structure ahead of their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The appointment reflects the club’s commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and excellence as it prepares for the challenges and opportunities that come with competing in the NPFL.

Bodunde is expected to bring his wealth of experience, dedication, and administrative expertise to the role.

He will work closely with management, the technical crew, players, and stakeholders to ensure the smooth running of the club’s affairs.

The management of Ranchers Bees FC expressed confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and success of the club.

Ranchers Bees will resume training Monday, June 15, 2026 at Rimi College, Kaduna.

NPFL: Ranchers Bees appoint Bodunde new secretary

British broadcaster, Piers Morgan, has predicted that a country with a foreign manager will win the 2026 World Cup.

Morgan’s two picks are England, managed by German Thomas Tuchel, while Italian Carlo Ancelotti is in charge of Brazil.

He wrote on X: “MY WORLD CUP PREDICTION: No country has ever won it with a foreign manager, but this is the year that ends.

“England or Brazil will win, and Tuchel or Ancelotti will make history.”

Brazil will open their tournament when they take on Morocco on Saturday.

The Three Lions face Croatia next Wednesday, as they seek to win it for the first time since 1966.

2026 World Cup: Piers Morgan predicts two teams to win trophy, set new record

Former Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, has put Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen among four players he would have loved to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

The World Cup started on Thursday, and Osimhen will not participate because of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the competition.

Speaking to La Gazzetta, Benitez placed Osimhen, alongside Robert Lewandowski, Piotr Zieliński, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the players he would have loved to see at the World Cup.

“Too easy: Kvaratskhelia, first and foremost,” Benitez said. “And then Osimhen too, and not just because Napoli holds a special place in my heart.

“But I must also add Zieliński and Lewandowski, one of the greatest ever.”

World Cup: Benitez puts Osimhen among four players he would have loved to watch

Former Real Madrid and AC Milan star, Kaka, has tipped Neymar to be very important for Brazil’s national football team.

Kaka described Neymar as a very good teammate, adding that the Santos forward will always help the young players in the squad.

He stated this while speaking as a guest on Rio Ferdinand’s Rio Meets Podcast ahead of Brazil’s World Cup tournament clash with Morocco on Saturday night.

“I love Neymar. We played together in the national team, and we are friends. If he’s ready, if he’s in good shape, physical condition is good, I think he’ll be very, very important for Brazil.

“He’s always supporting the team, he tries to help the young guys, and he’s a very good teammate, so he understands.”

Neymar, who is currently recovering injury, last played for Brazil in 2023.

World Cup 2026: Kaka gives verdict on Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil squad

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has predicted the Golden Ball and Golden Boot winners at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Merson also predicted Colombia and Mexico to be the dark horses of the tournament.

In his column for Sportskeeda,  Merson backed France captain Kylian Mbappe and England captain Harry Kane to win the Golden Ball and Golden Boot of the tournament.

“Golden Ball – Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe is an obvious choice. He should score lots of goals and go deep in the tournament,” Merson said.

“Golden Boot – Harry Kane (England).

It’s between Kane and Mbappe for me. I would like to believe it’s the England captain.

“Dark Horses – Colombia and Mexico

Colombia can surprise a lot of people. They are a decent team. The humidity will make a massive difference in this tournament, and they have players who are suited to these conditions.

“I also fancy Mexico. I know they haven’t had to qualify because they are one of the hosts, but they produced some big results in recent times.”

World Cup 2026: Paul Merson predicts Golden Ball, Golden Boot winners, dark horses