Category: Sports

FIFA has ended the Super Eagles’ dreams of playing at the 2026 World Cup, after confirming the final line-up for this month’s inter-confederation play-off tournament.

The world football governing body has picked DR Congo as Africa’s representative.

This was contained in an accreditation notice circulated to the media on Wednesday.

In the notice, FIFA provided details of the tournament format and listed the six countries that would be involved.

DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria, whose football federation had challenged the result of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the decisive tie, which ended 1-1 and went to penalties, where Nigeria lost.

FIFA ends Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream, confirms DR Congo for play-off

If Iran officially withdraws from the 2026 World Cup, they might be replaced by Iraq or the UAE.

Iran is considering pulling out because of new conflicts with the US, which is one of the co-hosts of the tournament.

US President Donald Trump said he doesn’t care if Iran decides not to take part.

In the past five days, there have been attacks from Israel and the US on Iran, and Iran has retaliated by attacking US allies in the Gulf.

Iraq is set to play against Suriname or Bolivia in a play-off on March 31.

If Iraq wins that match, they would take Iran’s place.

If not, the UAE would replace Iran since they are the next best team from Asia.

2026 World Cup: Two countries that could replace Iran revealed

Galatasaray fans have been banned by UEFA from travelling for their Champions League Round of 16 clash in Liverpool.

The Turkish giants will play the Reds at Anfield in the second leg of the tie.

Galatasaray were sanctioned following crowd trouble during their recent playoff fixture against Juventus in Turin.

UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee imposed a €40,000 fine and ordered Galatasaray to play their next away match without supporters after incidents involving pyrotechnics in the stands.

The club appealed the decision, but the Appeals Body has rejected the challenge.

This means the ban will kick in for the March 18 clash in Merseyside.

The Istanbul side booked their place in the last 16 with a 7-5 aggregate win over Juventus.

UCL: Galatasaray fans banned from Round of 16 clash against Liverpool

Kun Khalifat FC have promoted one of their most promising U-19 players Aniete John to the senior team, DAILY POST reports.

Aniete has also signed his first professional contract with the Owerri-based club.

The midfielder has been impressive for Kun Khalifat’s youth team this season.

Anietie is expected to fight for a place in the first team.

Kun Khalifat FC are battling to escape relegation this season.

They currently occupy 19th position on the league table with 29 points from 28 matches.

NPFL: Kun Khalifat FC promote youngster to senior team

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Rob Edwards has praised Tolu Arokodare for his impact in the club’s stunning win over Liverpool, DAILY POST reports.

Arokodare rose from the bench to inspire the Old Gold to a 2-1 victory over the title holders at the Molineux on Tuesday night.

The Nigeria international provided the assist for Rodrigo Gomes’ opener in the 78th minute.

The 25-year-old also troubled the Liverpool’s defence with his physicality and trickery on the ball.

Edwards applauded Arokodare’s and other substitutes for their their role in the win.

“Then it was just about winning, but the impact from the subs were great, and the lads that started the game were really good as well,” the gaffer was quoted by the club’s official website.

Arokodare has contributed two goals and one assist in 26 league appearances for Wolves this season.

EPL: Edwards applauds Arokodare’s impact in Wolves’ win over Liverpool

Members of Iran’s women’s national football team have expressed concern for their families back home as they compete in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Forward Sara Didar said the team was deeply worried about developments in Iran following recent U.S. and Israeli air strikes.

“Obviously, we are all concerned, and we’re sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,” Didar told reporters in Gold Coast ahead of Thursday’s group-stage match against Australia.

“I really hope for our country to have good news ahead.”

Iran lost its opening match 3-0 to South Korea on Monday.

Players remained silent during the national anthem before the game.

The team had arrived in Australia before the latest escalation began.

Although reporters were asked to focus on football-related questions, Didar and head coach Marziyeh Jafari addressed the situation at home.

“We have so much concern regarding the health of our families and our loved ones and all other Iranian people inside our country, with whom we are fully disconnected.

“But here, we are coming to play football professionally, and we will do our best to concentrate on our football and the match ahead,” Jafari said.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro said his team and supporters hoped to provide a compassionate environment for the Iranian players.

“For us, it’s about just showing our human compassion and our respect,” he said.

US-Israeli strikes: Iran women’s football team voices concerns over families

Tolu Arokodare has reacted to Wolves’ stunning victory against Liverpool, DAILY POST reports.

Rob Edwards’ side defeated Liverpool 2-1 at the Molineux on Tuesday night.

Arokodare, who was introduced in the second half, set up Rodrigo Gomes for the opening goal in the 78th minute.

It was the forward’s first assist in the Premier League this season.

Mohamed Salah levelled for Liverpool almost immediately.

Gomes, however, sealed the win for the hosts with a late strike.

Arokodare reacted to the massive win, Wolves’ third of the season on his Snapchat account.

“Late but we’ll take it. BIG +3,” the Nigeria international forward wrote.

EPL: Arokodare reflects on Wolves’ stunning victory against Liverpool

US President, Donald Trump has said he does not care at all whether Iran can participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Recall that Iran was the first country to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup tournament.

But the West Asian nation was the only country absent from the FIFA participating countries preparatory meeting held in Atlanta this week.

Iran’s absence has raised widespread questions amid the escalating regional conflicts, whether Tehran will send a team to the World Cup held in the United States this summer, and also, whether the US government will issue entry permits to relevant Iranian officials.

“I really don’t care, [if Iran participates],” Trump told POLITICO on Tuesday.

“I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”

2026 World Cup: ‘They’re running on fumes’ – Trump dismisses Iran’s participation

Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has given the Premier League club two conditions to stay beyond this summer.

Last year, Fernandes was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with United reportedly rejecting a £100m offer.

But the Portugal midfielder is considering his future at Old Trafford as he approaches his 32nd birthday.

United are ready to table a £400,000-a-week deal for Fernandes, but he is eager about other things.

The first condition is that the Red Devils play European football, the UK Mirror reports.

The team is currently in third place with 51 points.

Fernandes also wants the club to appoint Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, after his short-term deal expires in June.

EPL: Bruno Fernandes gives Man Utd two conditions to stay at club

Former Chelsea player Chris Sutton has predicted the mid-week Premier League matches, taking place on Tuesday night, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Everton will tackle Burnley on Tuesday night, while Bournemouth will face Brentford.

Brighton will clash with Arsenal on Wednesday, and Aston Villa will take on Chelsea.

Stating his predictions, Sutton told BBC Sport:

Everton 2-0 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-1 Brentford

Leeds United 1-0 Sunderland

Wolves 1-2 Liverpool

Brighton 1-2 Arsenal

Manchester City 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Fulham 2-1 West Ham United

Aston Villa 1-1 Chelsea

Newcastle United 2-2 Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Crystal Palace

EPL: Sutton predicts Aston Villa vs Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, other fixtures