Nigeria General Sport news

• Portugal ends Super Eagles unbeaten run with 2-1 win

  10-06-2026 23:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigeria’s 12-match unbeaten streak came to an end on Wednesday after Portugal claimed a 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in an international friendly.The two sides were locked in a closely contested encounter before Portugal broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through Pedro Neto.The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, drawing level in the 82nd minute through Akor Adams.
  The striker showed composure to finish from close range after being picked out by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.With the
  
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• Full list of Super Eagles players with 100 caps as Iwobi achieves feat

  10-06-2026 23:31 via vanguardngr.com
  Alex Iwobi has etched his name into Nigerian football history after making his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, becoming just the fourth player to reach the milestone for the national team.The Fulham midfielder achieved the feat during Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal on Wednesday, joining an elite group comprising former captain Joseph Yobo, legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and current Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.Iwobi, who made his senior debut for Nigeria
  
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• Portugal vs Nigeria: Chelle Names Super Eagles Starting XI

  10-06-2026 21:23 via completesports.com
  
  Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a strong starting XI for tonight’s international friendly against Portugal, Completesports.com reports. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye starts between the sticks as expected. The defensive trio of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi will line up at the back. Read Also:Chelle: Super Eagles Strong Enough To Beat [...]
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• Nigeria XI vs Portugal: Iwobi, Adams start as Cristiano Ronaldo leads hosts

  10-06-2026 21:13 via vanguardngr.com
  Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will start in attack as the European side takes on Nigeria in their international friendly clash, while Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams headline the Super Eagles’ starting lineup.Portugal manager has named a strong side led by Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves featuring in midfield. Pedro Neto and Trincão will provide support in attack.Diogo Costa starts in goal for Portugal, with Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo
  
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• Haiti forced to change World Cup jersey over war imagery

  10-06-2026 20:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after FIFA banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts.An illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the Haitian flag had been embedded on the shirts worn by the players in two warm-up friendlies in Florida.Colombian manufacturer Saeta said on Wednesday that they have modified the kit to meet FIFA’s regulations.“The final
  
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• Gascoigne: England Can Replicate 1990 Spirit At World Cup

  10-06-2026 20:49 via completesports.com
  
  Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has urged the current England squad to replicate the unbelievable team spirit of the 1990 World Cup squad. Speaking on ITV, the 59-year-old Gascoigne reflected on the heroics of Bobby Robson’s 1990 squad, which reached the semi-finals in Italy before bowing out to West Germany. Read Also:Ronaldo vs Messi: The [...]
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• Portugal Vs Nigeria Live Blogging – International Friendly Match

  10-06-2026 20:45 via completesports.com
  
  Completesports.com’s Live Blogging of international friendly match between Portugal — Selecao das Quinas [Team of the Quincunxes] — and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, Leiria.
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• Governor Diri Disbands Bayelsa United; Sacks Coaches, Management Staff

  10-06-2026 20:43 via completesports.com
  
  Bayelsa United FC have been disbanded by the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Douye Diri, following the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL), reports Completesports.com reports. Governor Diri also announced the dissolution of the Management Committee led by Tarilaye Amankwe and the technical crew led [...]
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• Gov Diri Disbands Bayelsa United; Sacks Coaches, Management Staff

  10-06-2026 20:43 via completesports.com
  
  Bayelsa United FC have been disbanded by the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Douye Diri, following the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL), reports Completesports.com reports. Governor Diri also announced the dissolution of the Management Committee led by Tarilaye Amankwe and the technical crew led [...]
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• Trump confirms 2026 World Cup attendance

  10-06-2026 20:42 via thesun.ng
  
  United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another high-profile political presence to the global football showpiece set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump responded affirmatively when asked whether he planned to attend any of the tournament’s matches, signalling his intention to be part of an event expected to attract millions of fans and billions of viewers wor
  
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• Wenger Tips France To Win 2026 World Cup

  10-06-2026 18:40 via completesports.com
  
  Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has firmly backed France as favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a chat with Le Figaro, Wenger noted that their unparalleled depth of world-class attacking talent makes the team better than other teams in the competition. Read Also:Ronaldo vs Messi: The 2026 World Cup Could Finally Settle [...]
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• Stuttgart Open: I’m Thrilled To Be Back –Kyrgios

  10-06-2026 18:28 via completesports.com
  
  Nick Kyrgios has disclosed that he’s thrilled to be back to the tennis court after a long and grueling absence due to wrist and knee injuries. Recall that Kyrgios completed an emotional return to singles action, defeating world No. 36 Corentin Moutet in straight sets at the Stuttgart Open. Read Also:My First Grand Slam Title [...]
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• Benfica Confirm Mourinho’s Departure To Real Madrid

  10-06-2026 18:12 via completesports.com
  
  Benfica have confirmed that Jose Mourinho will leave the club in a €15 million deal to become the new head coach of Real Madrid, while Marco Silva has been appointed as his replacement, TNT Sports reports. Mourinho had been heavily linked with a return to the Bernabeu this summer, and was the preferred candidate of [...]
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• Friendly: I Would Have Loved To See Osimhen Battle Ronaldo –Amao

  10-06-2026 18:03 via completesports.com
  
  Former Shooting Stars coach Fatai Amao has expressed disappointment that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen won’t be facing Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo in tonight’s international friendly game. Recall that Osimhen was excused from Nigeria’s friendly against Portugal in Leiria to focus on resolving his imminent club transfer and to avoid any risk of injury during the [...]
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• Former Aston Villa Star Advises Celtic To Keep Iheanacho

  10-06-2026 18:00 via completesports.com
  
  Former Aston Villa striker Alan McInally has urged Celtic manager Martin O’Neill to retain Kelechi Iheanacho beyond the upcoming summer transfer window, insisting the Nigerian forward still has an important role to play at the club. Iheanacho linked up with the Hoops on a free transfer last summer after severing ties with Spanish club, Sevilla. [...]
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• International Breweries PLC Unveils Four-Brand FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad

  10-06-2026 17:57 via completesports.com
  
  Budweiser, Trophy Lager, Hero Lager and Flying Fish to Reward Consumers with Big Prizes, Promotions and Unforgettable Fan Experiences Nationwide International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), part of AB InBev – the world’s largest brewer and proud makers of more than 500 iconic brands – has officially unveiled its FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad, featuring four of [...]
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• Flamingos to resume camp ahead of Benin W/Cup qualifier showdown

  10-06-2026 16:01 via vanguardngr.com
  By Enitan AbdultawabNigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, will return to camp on June 14 as preparations intensify for their decisive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic.The team will resume training at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne following a short break after their dominant performance against Guinea in the previous qualifying round.Coached by Hakeem Busari, the Flamingos booked their place in the final round in emp
  
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• ‘He Loves The Club’ — Doğan Reveals Onuachu’s Desire To Remain At Trabzonspor

  10-06-2026 14:43 via completesports.com
  
  Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan has stated that Paul Onuachu is not considering a move away from the club this summer, reaffirming the Nigerian forward’s commitment to the Turkish side. Onuachu has been consistently linked with a move away from the Papara Park since his arrival on a permanent transfer from Sky Bet Championship club Southampton [...]
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• 7 Football Giants That Failed To Qualify For Consecutive World Cups | Italy, Nigeria, England & More

  10-06-2026 14:15 via completesports.com
  
  Even the biggest football nations are not immune to World Cup qualification heartbreak. In this video, we explore seven football giants that missed consecutive FIFA World Cups, including Italy, Nigeria, England, France, the Netherlands, Senegal, and Uruguay. Discover the reasons behind their struggles and how some of these nations fought their way back to the [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: I’ll be back in 2030 – Banned Somali referee

  10-06-2026 14:06 via thesun.ng
  
  By Lawrence Agbo
  Somali referee Omar Artan has vowed to pursue his World Cup dream despite being denied entry into the United States and subsequently removed from the officiating roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  Speaking to journalists after his arrival, Artan said the setback would not derail his ambitions.
  “I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud,” he said.
  “Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged,” he added.
  Artan return
  
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• SPORTS PLANET Podcast…EPISODE 107: Late Christian Chukwu Football Legacy

  10-06-2026 13:14 via completesports.com
  
  Born on 4th January, 1951, in Uwani, Enugu state, Chairman Christian Chukwu appeared at the African Cup of Nations, as a player, captain, scorer, Chief and substantive Chief Coach who participated in three editions as a player from 1976-1980, earning bronze twice. Chukwu retired from active football in 1980. In 1985, he took up the [...]
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• U-17 WWCQ: Flamingos Reassemble Sunday For Benin Republic Clash

  10-06-2026 12:27 via completesports.com
  
  Nigeria’s Flamingos will resume camping on Sunday as preparations intensify for their final-round qualifying fixture against Benin Republic in the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Completesports.com reports. The team will be camped at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne. Akeem Busari’s side was granted a short break [...]
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• 2026 World cup: US cites security concerns for barring Somali referee

  10-06-2026 11:21 via thesun.ng
  
  By Lawrence Agbo
  The White House task force overseeing preparations for the 2026 World Cup has defended the United States’ decision to deny entry to a Somali referee and several support staff linked to the Iranian national team, insisting the move was driven by security considerations rather than sporting bias.
  Speaking at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the World Cup task force, said the U.S. has already received 35 participati
  
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• Why Maradona Did Not Sign For Tottenham —Man United Legend

  10-06-2026 11:13 via completesports.com
  
  Manchester United 1999 treble winner Teddy Sheringham has revealed Diego Maradona was on his way to Tottenham Hotspur, only for his ‘baggage’ to scupper the deal. Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT and Burger King’s Squad Table, Sheringham recounted how then-Spurs boss Ossie Ardiles sought the Premier League icon’s thoughts on a move for the late World [...]
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• Ronaldo vs Messi: The 2026 World Cup Could Finally Settle Football’s GOAT Debate

  10-06-2026 11:00 via completesports.com
  
  The Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi ‘greatest of all-time’ (GOAT) debate has divided opinion amongst football fans worldwide. The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the final opportunity for both players to finally settle the argument. The sportsbooks featured on Arab World Cup betting comparison platform Arabworldcupbet.com will [...]
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• Benfica say farewell to Mourinho as Real Madrid return nears

  10-06-2026 09:37 via vanguardngr.com
  Benfica on Tuesday parted company with coach Jose Mourinho, who is close to returning to Real Madrid, and announced an agreement with Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace him.The Lisbon club said Real Madrid had “formalised their intention to sign Mourinho for a fee of 15 million euros ($17.25 million)” in a statement sent to Portugal’s financial markets regulator.The amount corresponds to the release clause in Mourinho’s contract.Benfica subsequently announced they had st
  
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• 2026 W/Cup: US Accuses Somali Referee Of Links To ‘Terror Organisations’ Suspects

  10-06-2026 09:19 via completesports.com
  
  The Trump administration said Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan had been denied entry to the country because of links to “suspected members of terror organisations” making him a “national security threat”. Artan, who was Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, had been set to become Somalia’s first official at a World Cup but was [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: US Defend Visa Ban On Somali Referee, Iranians

  10-06-2026 09:15 via completesports.com
  
  The White House, U.S. Customs and Border Protection have disclosed that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States prior to the 2026 World Cup due to security vetting concerns. Recall that Artan arrived at Miami International Airport with a valid U.S. visa, however, following an extensive inspection, the Department of Homeland [...]
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• Messi scores on return as Argentina ease past Iceland

  10-06-2026 09:03 via thesun.ng
  
  Lionel Messi marked his return from a minor injury scare with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final World Cup warm-up match in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.
  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who had been eased back into action following muscle fatigue sustained during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia in May, began the match on the bench as coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad ahead of the tournament.
  Messi was joined on the sidelines by Julián &Aacut
  
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• Nigeria Claims Three Gold Medals At African Taekwondo Championships In Mali

  10-06-2026 08:40 via completesports.com
  
  Nigeria claimed three gold medals, one silver and three bronze medals at the World Taekwondo-sanctioned G-4 tournament held at Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga in Mali, Sports Africana reports. Morocco once again asserted its dominance, securing a total of 14 medals (six gold, three silver and five bronze medals). Team Nigeria, represented by a 13-member [...]
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• Arsenal Ready To Cash In On Star Forward

  10-06-2026 07:59 via completesports.com
  
  Arsenal are ready to cash in on Gabriel Martinelli, bringing to end his six-year stay in north London, talkSPORT reports. Ruthless Mikel Arteta is planning a rebuild this summer in a quest to win back-to-back Premier League titles. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is high on Arteta’s wanted list, meaning one of Martinelli or Leandro Trossard [...]
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• Chelle Backs Portugal To Win World Cup

  10-06-2026 07:51 via completesports.com
  
  Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle believes Portugal possess all the attributes required to emerge as the next FIFA World Cup champions, reports Completesports.com reports. Portugal, popularly known as Seleção das Quinas, are among the leading contenders to dethrone Argentina as world champions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: Protesters Block Access To Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium

  10-06-2026 07:44 via completesports.com
  
  With just a few hours to the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, thousands of demonstrators blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Tuesday. The protests, organized primarily by the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) and various activist groups, have been building since early June. And their timing is not accidental. [...]
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• Platini takes FIFA, Infantino to court over failed presidency bid

  10-06-2026 07:37 via thesun.ng
  
  Former UEFA president Michel Platini has launched legal proceedings against FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, claiming corruption allegations levelled against him unfairly destroyed his chances of becoming the head of world football.
  The French football legend has filed both criminal and civil complaints in France, seeking compensation from FIFA and accusing senior football officials of orchestrating events that derailed his expected rise to the FIFA presidency.
  Platini’s legal act
  
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• Olympic Qualifiers: Comoros set up Super Falcons clash after beating Sudan 30–0

  10-06-2026 06:33 via vanguardngr.com
  Comoros will face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the next round of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers after producing a historic 30–0 aggregate win over Sudan in the first round.The Coelacanths won the first leg 17–0 on June 3 before sealing the tie with a 13–0 win five days later.In the first leg, Comoros opened scoring in the eighth minute and went on to dominate proceedings, overwhelming Sudan with relentless attacking pressure.Nine different players contributed goals, und
  
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• Portugal vs Nigeria: Ronaldo’s Portugal set for tune-up test against Nigeria

  10-06-2026 02:43 via thesun.ng
  
  By Joe Apu
  Portugal will conclude their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an international friendly against Nigeria on Wednesday night, as Roberto Martinez’s side seeks to fine-tune its squad ahead of the tournament opener against DR Congo on June 17.
  The Selecao enters the match carrying high expectations, with a star-studded squad widely regarded as one of the strongest heading to North America. Portugal are aiming to capture the World Cup title for the first time in their hi
  
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• Time Magazine names Ujiri among sports most influential

  10-06-2026 02:42 via thesun.ng
  
  Nigeria and Africa’s highest sports franchise Executive, Masai Ujiri, made the latest list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026.
  The list also includes the FIFA President, Gianna Infantino, lady golfer Nelly Korda, Stephen Curry, and 19-year-old Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli. There is also Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and women’s number one tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, amongst others.
  The Time publication released on Tuesday, June 9 reads, &l
  
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• LA 2028 Olympic Qualifiers: Super Falcons to face Comoros in second round

  10-06-2026 02:40 via thesun.ng
  
  African champions, Nigeria Super Falcons, will face Comoros in the second round of the African qualifiers for the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, www.aclsports.com reports.
  Comoros secured their place in the second round after recording a historic 30-0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the opening phase of the qualifiers. The Coelacanths took a huge step towards progression with a 17-0 triumph in Morocco on 4 June, the biggest win ever registered by the nat
  
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• Fulham retains Iwobi, Bassey, as 14 players depart ahead of new season

  10-06-2026 02:39 via thesun.ng
  
  Fulham have confirmed the departure of 14 players following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season as the Premier League club begins preparations for the upcoming campaign.
  The London side announced the squad changes in an official update, with former Mexico international Raúl Jiménez among the most prominent names set to leave Craven Cottage, BSNSports.com.ng reports
  Jiménez departs after a three-year spell at Fulham, during which he scored 31 goals in 115 appearances across
  
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• SuperSport hosts World Cup Virtual Round Table with John Terry

  10-06-2026 02:35 via thesun.ng
  
  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across North America, supersport.com has announced the launch of a series of exclusive Virtual Round Tables aimed at connecting African media with some of football’s most celebrated figures.
  The inaugural session, scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, will feature former Chelsea FC and England National Football Team captain John Terry.
  Regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation, Terry enjoyed a distinguished playing career, making 717 app
  
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• … Wakes up Africa with ‘The Morning Cup’

  10-06-2026 02:34 via thesun.ng
  
  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across the globe, SuperSport will launch The Morning Cup, a live daily breakfast show designed to redefine how fans start their World Cup mornings.
  Premiering on Wednesday, 10 June, the show brings together football, music, entertainment and conversation in a fast-paced, pan-African studio format.
  Anchored by SuperSport presenters Lwazi Ziqubu and Fiso Mazibuko, the show features Basketmouth, Phat Joe, Sarah Hassan and Sirayah Shiraz as part of its rotating c
  
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• NUGA UNICAL 2026 appoints Chukwuemeka youth ambassador

  10-06-2026 02:33 via thesun.ng
  
  The Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) UNICAL chapter has appointed Agomeze Saint Chukwuemeka as the official Youth Ambassador for the 28th Nigerian University Games scheduled to hold at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in 2026.
  The appointment, announced on June 8, is aimed at strengthening youth engagement, promoting participation among students and advancing the objectives of the competition, tagged, “Paradise Games.”
  NUGA described Chukwuemeka as a visionary leader an
  
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• From Ronaldo to Modric, football’s over-40 guard defies time

  10-06-2026 02:31 via thesun.ng
  
  In a sport where youth is a highly prized commodity, the World Cup starting this week offers evidence you cannot keep a good man down.
  A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States – one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.
   
  Modric
  The previous entrants in this rarefied category include six goalkeepers and Cameroonian striker Roger Milla, who remains the oldest man to score at the finals afte
  
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• Injury tracker: Latest news on Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Neymar

  10-06-2026 02:29 via thesun.ng
  
  The 2026 World Cup finally gets underway this week, but some of the tournament’s biggest names face a race against time to be fit.
  The 23rd edition of FIFA’s showpiece event returns to its post-season slot, which has heightened injury risks for players in the red zone.
   Unlike in Qatar four years ago, the 2026 World Cup will include stars who have already clocked major minutes across the past 12 months.
  Virgil van Dijk has played 5,841 minutes for club and country since June 202
  
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• Tickets for Iran fans revoked, says federation

  10-06-2026 02:22 via thesun.ng
  
  Iran’s allocation of fan tickets for the group stage of the World Cup has been revoked just days before the start of the tournament, says the country’s football federation.
  The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, begins on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June – both in Los Angeles – before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
  Iran’s governing body says Fifa regulations state each federation invo
  
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• Foreign coaches lead majority of teams at 2026 World Cup

  10-06-2026 02:09 via thesun.ng
  
  Foreign coaches will outnumber local counterparts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
  Of the 48 head coaches competing in the tournament, 28 will be foreign nationals, while 20 will be nationals of the countries they represent.
  The influence of foreign coaches will be particularly visible among European managers. Seven European foreign coaches will be leading national teams from other countries, while Eur
  
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• White House World Cup chief defends visa ban for Somali referee, Iranians

  10-06-2026 00:17 via vanguardngr.com
  The head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup on Tuesday defended the decision not to grant visas to a Somali referee and some support staff for the Iranian team.“To this point we’ve had 35 teams that have come into the United States,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the task force, said at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council in Washington.“No players, no coaches have been denied,” Giuliani said. “There have been some officials that
  
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