NNL: Lobi Stars release 18 players after promotion miss 

Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, has tipped England midfielder Declan Rice to step up and secure the Premier League title for Arsenal when they face Manchester City on Sunday.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville also said he was gutted when Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United.

“When he (Declan Rice) went to Arsenal for £100 million, I was gutted. I think he is a Manchester United player,” Neville told The Overlap.

“To me, on Sunday, he is the player I am looking at. This is not me putting pressure on him, by the way. This is me expecting that this is the Roy Keane moment, the Gerrard moment.”

Man City will host the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, and they currently sit in second position with six points behind Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Cityzens, however, have a game in hand.

EPL: What I expect from Declan Rice when Arsenal face Man City – Neville

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has spoken on the player he would use as replacement for injured Jurrien Timber and Ben White in the right-back position.

While Timber is recovering, Ben White sustained an injury during the 1-0 win over West Ham last weekend, a situation that has left Arsenal fans worried ahead of their remaining games in the Premier League and Champions League final.

Centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is seen as a possible option as a right-back should Timber not regain full fitness in time as Ben White has been sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Asked if Mosquera, who had played in that position before could be an alternative, as quoted by Football London, Arteta said,

“There are different options in relation to the opponent as well, and the things that we want to do with sets and plays.

“But we need to be open to that, not only to one but to two or three options. Because games can vary, players can pick an injury, I don’t know. We need to be flexible on that and really think about that option.

“We need to look at alternatives. The two players that we have there are not available at the moment. We need to look and do something else. The good thing is that we have experienced that all over the pitch this season.

“When we had issues, normally, they’ve been in the same positions as well. We have managed to find the right level of performance and consistency. I’m sure we will do that.”

EPL, UCL: Arteta speaks on player to replace Timber, Ben White at right-back

Nigerian-born defender, Ime Okon has been included in South Africa’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Okon, who was born to a Nigerian father and South African mother, currently plays for Bundesliga club Hannover 96.

The 22-year-old has already represented Bafana Bafana five times.

Okon will be making his debut for South Africa at a major tournament after he was snubbed for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross are the new names that have been called up by head coach Hugo Broos.

A look at the 26 names shows that 19 of them play in the South African league.

South Africa Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, USA), Bradley Cross (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kamogelo Sebelebele (both Orlando Pirates), Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany), Samukele Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

2026 World Cup: Nigeria-born defender, Okon included in South Africa’s squad