Category: Sports

Portugal has shortlisted at least three candidates to replace Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup.

According to talkSPORT, Martinez is set to step down from the role after the tournament.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with a reunion with captain Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Portugal is now considering Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira and Sérgio Conceição as possible replacements.

Jose Mourinho was lined up for the role, but despite serious discussions taking place, he opted for the Real Madrid job.

At the 2026 World Cup, Portugal began their campaign with a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

2026 World Cup: Portugal shortlists three managers as Martinez’ replacement after Mourinho snub

Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju, has insisted he does not support the idea of Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, becoming captain of the national team.

In recent years, William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa have retired from international football, leaving the skipper’s armband for other players.

Osimhen was among several names that have been suggested to become the recognised leader of the team.

However, Wilfred Ndidi was eventually appointed Super Eagles captain, with Osimhen and Moses Simon appointed as vice-captains.

When asked if Osimhen should be the captain, Adepoju told PM, Parrot: “Leadership requires more than talent.

“A captain must possess playing quality, leadership ability, emotional control, and the capacity to represent and unite the team both on and off the pitch.

“Anyone who cannot tolerate others or control their behaviour cannot effectively lead.”

Why Osimhen cannot be Super Eagles captain – Mutiu Adepoju

Kwara United defender Kabiru Mohammed has parted ways with the club following the expiration of her contract.

Mohammed’s departure put an end to his three- year stay with the Harmony Boys.

The experienced centre- will now look to Join another club ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

Mohammed’s leadership and experience were key during his time at Kwara United.

He played a crucial role in Kwara United’s relegation survival last season.

Mohammed was part of the Kwara United’s side that won the President Federation Cup last year.

NPFL: Mohammed departs Kwara United after contract expiration 

El-Kanemi Warriors captain, Zayyad Musa, has praised Katsina fans after his side booked a place in the 2026 President Federation Cup final.

The Borno Army edged out Wikki Tourists 3-1 in the semi-final at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina on Wednesday.

Musa insisted that that the home crowd played a key role in his side’s victory.

“We played as if we were in Maiduguri,” Musa stated after the game.

“The atmosphere was so electric, and we are truly delighted with what the people of Katsina did for us.”

El-Kanemi Warriors will lock horns with Ikorodu City in the final of the President Federation Cup on Saturday, 11 July.

President Federation Cup: Musa thankful after El-kanemi’s win over Wikki Tourists

United States manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has named Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni as the best coach at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Pochettino spoke to the media ahead of the USA’s match against Australia on Friday.

The Argentine also insisted that he knows Scaloni’s coaching staff members very well.

“Many of Argentina’s players are world champions from Qatar. The coach [Lionel Scaloni] is the best one at this World Cup, and I know his staff very well, and the fans are amazing,” Pochettino said.

“And then the ‘cherry’ is Messi. It’s a difficult combination to play against.”

The USA and Argentina won their first matches at the World Cup against Paraguay and Algeria, respectively.

If Pochettino’s side tops Group D and Argentina win their Group, the two teams can only meet in the semi-final or the final.

World Cup 2026: USA coach, Pochettino names best coach at tournament

Inter Miami has reached an agreement to acquire Fricio Caicedo from LDU Quito.

The young defender was initially set to join Belgian club Royal Antwerp but has now been secured by the American side.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the Major League Soccer team has reached a deal to sign the center-back.

He stated, “Deal in place for the 2008-born center-back who was on the verge of joining Royal Antwerp… and is now heading to Inter Miami. Hijack accomplished.”

Caicedo attracted interest from the Belgian Pro League club Royal Antwerp in December 2025, and reports from Ecuador indicated that he had agreed to join the Belgian side in July 2026.

After representing Ecuador at the under-15, under-17, and under-20 levels, Caicedo was invited to first team training by manager Sebastián Beccacece in May 2025.

In May 2026, he received his first call-up to the full squad for the country’s training camp in the United States in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Caicedo made his international debut during Ecuador’s 2–1 friendly victory over Saudi Arabia on 30 May 2026, entering the match as a late substitute for Pervis Estupiñán.

Transfer: Inter Miami agrees deal to sign Caicedo

Werder Bremen forward, Victor Boniface, has disclosed how he used to collect salary advance from his club while playing in Norway.

Boniface explained that he collects salary advance because he must travel back to Nigeria every December.

Speaking with some friends in a video, the Super Eagles forward said the club in turn deducts the money.

He said: “When I was in Norway, I saved money to travel to Nigeria in December. And when it gets to December and I don’t have money, I usually collect two months advance.

“They will later deduct the money gradually because I must travel back to Nigeria in December.”

Boniface played for Norwegian side, FK Bodo/Glimt. He signed for the club in March 2019, making 66 appearances and scoring 23 goals before transferring to Belgian side, Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022.

https://twitter.com/it_Rutie/status/2067713889530216815/video/1

I used to collect salary advance to travel to Nigeria – Victor Boniface [VIDEO]

Brazilian legend Cafu has snubbed Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo while naming the four greatest players in football history.

Cafu spoke in an interview with the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo” after watching Argentina captain Lionel Messi netted a hat-trick as his country defeated Algeria 3-0 in the World Cup this week.

The former defender insisted that the likes of Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona and Pele are the greatest players in football history, adding that they have changed the sport.

“Maradona is the embodiment of football art, as are Messi, Pele, and Ronaldinho. So, when I see those unique and brilliant players, I really enjoy it,” Cafu said.

“In my opinion, these four players are on par and are the four greatest players in history. 

“These four players truly changed the sport and are still changing it today.”

World Cup 2026: Cafu snubs Ronaldo, names four greatest players of in history 

Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba will host the final of this year’s men’s and women’s President Federation Cup on Saturday, 11 July, DAILY POST reports.

Ikorodu City will face El-kanemi Warriors in the final of the men’s competition.

Both teams defeated Nasarawa United and Wikki Tourists respectively in the semi-final on Wednesday.

Ikorodu City will be chasing their first title, while El-kanemi will be looking to win the trophy for the fourth time.

The winner will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

The women’s competition has reached the semi finals, with FC Robo Queens, Heartland Queens, Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons reaching the last four.

President Federation Cup: Asaba to host final July 11 

Doma United have appointed Deji Ayeni as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season, DAILY POST reports.

The Savannah Tigers gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season.

Ayeni previously managed nine-time NPFL champions, Enyimba.

The gaffer has also coached Sunshine Stars, Akwa United and Crown FC in the past.

He expressed his delight after signing the contract papers.

“I am honoured to be part of this ambitious project. Doma United have shown a great desire to succeed, and together with the players, management and supporters, we will work hard to achieve our objectives,” Ayeni said.

NPFL: Doma United appoint Ayeni as new head coach