Nigeria General Sport news

• Libya joins race to host AFCON 2028, 2032

  16-07-2026 04:17 via thesun.ng
  
  Libya have officially entered the race to host either the 2028 or 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), signaling the country’s ambition to bring the continent’s biggest football tournament back to its shores, BSNSports.com.ng reports.Soccer
  As part of its proposed bid, Libya plans to use eight stadiums across the country, with the 45,000-capacity Tripoli International Stadium and the 40,000-capacity Benghazi International Stadium serving as the flagship venues.
  Libya previously hosted
  
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• Fernandez Plays Down Rangers Exit Talk

  18-07-2026 15:58 via completesports.com
  Emmanuel Fernandez has said he is not considering a move away from Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, Completesports.com reports. Fernandez arrived Ibrox from English League One club Peterborough United for £3.5million last summer. The 24-year-old quickly established himself as a key figure in the Rangers squad and was voted the club’s Player of the Season. The [...]
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• Infantino’s enlarged World Cup gamble pays off with punters

  18-07-2026 15:45 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The World Cup has engaged punters like never before with an 80% increase in betting volume compared to the 2022 edition, even taking into account the higher number of matches for a 48-team tournament, a betting expert told AFP.Although many football fans were sceptical about the increase in the number of teams from 32 to 48, it appears punters have welcomed it.“We’ve seen an 80% increase in the ticket volume,” Darren Small, senior vice president of Managed Trading Services at
  
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• Xavi Open To Coaching At AFCON

  18-07-2026 15:44 via completesports.com
  
  Barcelona and Spain legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez has said he is interested in branching out into international management, and won’t mind coaching a team at the Euros, Asian Cup and even the Africa Cup of Nations. Xavi spent just under three seasons at Barcelona before he was relieved of his duties in May 2024, following [...]
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• Trabzonspor Demand €30m For Onuachu

  18-07-2026 14:27 via completesports.com
  
  Trabzonspor have slapped a €30 million price tag on Paul Onuachu amid transfer interest, Completesports.com reports. The Nigeria international has been strongly linked with a move away from Papara Park this summer. Trabzonspor have rejected two separate offers from Fenerbahçe. Fenerbahçe’s Istanbul rivals, Beşiktaş are observing the situation,and have not yet made a proposal. Read [...]
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• D’Tigers Assistant Captain Targets World Cup Place, Seeks To Uncover Basketball Talents

  18-07-2026 13:51 via completesports.com
  
  D’Tigers assistant captain Michael Eric has set his sights on helping Nigeria qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, reports Completesports.com. David Fizdale’s side completed a flawless campaign at the African qualifiers in Luanda, Angola winning all three games. The impressive turnaround saw Nigeria finish the group phase with a 4-2 record and secure [...]
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• Photos: Burna Boy reunites with Shakira ahead of World Cup final halftime show

  18-07-2026 13:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has reunited with Colombian music sensation Shakira ahead of their performance at the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show.On Friday, Burna Boy shared a video on his X account showing the pair exchanging hugs, smiles and laughter during rehearsals for Sunday’s historic event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.The Grammy-winning singer accompanied the post with the caption: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! D
  
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• Yamal is tremendous, facing him after baby photo is crazy – Messi

  18-07-2026 13:02 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “just crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after an iconic photograph showed him cradling the future star as a baby.Speaking at the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi reflected on the widely shared image, saying it was extraordinary how fate had brought them together on football’s biggest stage.“That picture with Lamine
  
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• Trump asks FIFA to award another World Cup to US, says leave out Canada, Mexico

  18-07-2026 12:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUS President Donald Trump has called on FIFA to bring the men’s World Cup back to the United States, saying the next edition hosted by the country should not be shared with Canada and Mexico.Trump made the remarks on Friday during a FIFA World Cup reception at Trump Tower in New York ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina, where he addressed FIFA President Gianni Infantino and praised the tournament.“You should choose the United States of Americ
  
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• Messi says facing Yamal in final after viral baby photo is ‘crazy’

  18-07-2026 11:31 via thesun.ng
  
  Argentina captain Lionel Messi has described it as “crazy” that he will face Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, years after a famous photograph showed him holding Yamal as a baby.
  Speaking at the Fan Fanantics event on Friday ahead of the final, Messi said the image had taken on a new meaning now that the two players were set to meet on football’s biggest stage.
  He noted that it was remarkable how life had brought them togethe
  
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• Super Eagles Defender Nears Fulham Move

  18-07-2026 11:14 via completesports.com
  
  Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu is closing in on a permanent move to Premier League side Fulham, Completesports.com reports. According to Sky Sport, Fulham have tabled a €27 million bid for the Nigerian centre-back, while Trabzonspor are holding out for €30 million. The two clubs are believed to be close to reaching an agreement, with the [...]
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• England carry ‘scars’ of World Cup exit, says Tuchel

  18-07-2026 11:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Thomas Tuchel said Friday that England’s players carry the “scars” of a painful World Cup exit, admitting there was still a gap to close to the top nations.The England boss has been heavily criticised for his defensive substitutions in a 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday.Anthony Gordon put England on track to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 but late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the match around.The Three Lions face
  
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• World Cup: Everything you need to know about England vs France match

  18-07-2026 11:13 via thesun.ng
  
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff will see England take on France in a battle for the bronze medal after both teams suffered semifinal defeats.The match may not be the final either side wanted, but it still carries significance for national pride, rankings, prize money, and individual awards.
  Match detailsFixture: France vs England
  Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Third-Place Playoff
  Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
  Kick-off: (10:00 PM Nigerian Time)
  Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miam
  
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• ‘They made Kane a defensive player’ — Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics in Argentina loss

  18-07-2026 10:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ayobami OkerindeUnited States President Donald Trump has criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach in the Three Lions’ 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, saying it was a mistake to deploy captain Harry Kane in a defensive role after taking the lead.Speaking on Friday, Trump said England abandoned their attacking approach after Anthony Gordon’s opener, allowing the defending champions to stage a late comeback and secure a place in S
  
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• World Cup 2026: Supercomputer Predicts Spain vs Argentina Final

  18-07-2026 09:21 via completesports.com
  Opta supercomputer has tipped Spain to beat reigning champion Argentina in the final of the World Cup 2026 on Sunday, TNT Sports reports. Ahead of the epic encounter, the supercomputer has given Spain a 59% chance of lifting the trophy in New Jersey on Sunday, while Argentina have a 41% chance of glory. For the [...]
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• Messi to get ‘special attention’ from Spain, says de la Fuente

  18-07-2026 09:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Luis de la Fuente said Spain planned to pay “special attention” to Lionel Messi in Sunday’s World Cup final but ruled out trying to man-mark the Argentina captain.De la Fuente told reporters at a press conference on Friday that he knows from experience the challenges of using man-to-man marking against the eight-time Ballon D’Or winner.The Spain coach recalled an experience from when he was coaching Sevilla’s youth team while Messi was playing junior football for B
  
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• WAFCON 2026: Please Don’t Beat Us 5-0, 1-0 Is Enough —Malawi Captain Pleads With Super Falcons

  18-07-2026 08:21 via completesports.com
  Malawi captain, Tabitha Chawinga, has jokingly pleaded with the Super Falcons not to inflict a heavy defeat on her team when the two sides clash in their opening Group C game at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Falcons have been drawn alongside Malawi, Zambia and Egypt, and will [...]
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• Orban Set For Loan Move To Turkish Club

  18-07-2026 08:00 via completesports.com
  
  Nigeria striker Gift Orban is on the verge of joining newly promoted Turkish Süper Lig club Amedspor on loan for the 2025/26 season, Completesports.com reports. According to reports from Turkey, Amedspor have reached an agreement with Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim and the player over a season-long loan deal that includes an option to make the [...]
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• World Cup 2026: England Must Learn To Close The Gap On Spain, Argentina, France

  18-07-2026 07:06 via completesports.com
  England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that a gap remains between the Three Lions and serial tournament winners like Argentina, France, and Spain. Speaking ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, Tuchel noted that traditional powerhouses like Argentina and France have established the expectation to win major trophies, whereas England is still in [...]
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• Monreal: Rogers Can Adapt To Arsenal’s Style Of Football

  18-07-2026 06:58 via completesports.com
  
  Former Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has named Morgan Rogers as one of the wingers Arsenal should sign this summer, stating that the Aston Villa man possesses all the necessary qualities to make a massive impact for the Gunners. Monreal praised the 23-year-old’s breakout performances, advocating that his style of play could fix the inconsistencies Arsenal [...]
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• World Cup 2026: Laporte Warns Spain Of Argentina’s Provocative Tactics

  18-07-2026 06:46 via completesports.com
  Spain defender Aymeric Laporte has warned his teammates that the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina will descend into chaos unless the referee cracks down on Argentina’s aggressive tactics. Speaking ahead of the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, Laporte stated that Argentina likes to leave a mark on opponents and unsettle them. [...]
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• Trump blames Tuchel over England’s World Cup tactics

  18-07-2026 06:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  To the long list of critics of England’s tactics in the World Cup semi-final they lost to Argentina can now be added Donald Trump.The US president on Friday took a gentle swipe at coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to adopt defensive tactics after England took the lead against Argentina on Wednesday.Speaking at a reception in New York alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump mentioned England captain Harry Kane, with whom he shared a round of golf in Florida 18 months ago.&ldquo
  
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• World Cup 2026: Who Wins — Spain or Argentina? —Odegbami

  18-07-2026 06:00 via completesports.com
  The curtains will be drawn on the 2026 FIFA World Cup tomorrow. The 104 football battles fought amongst 48 countries will come to a most befitting climax. The two teams at the finish line are amongst the 7 that have previously won the World Cup, maintaining a tradition that only a few countries in the [...]
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• Pele’s 1958 World Cup final Brazil shirt sells for $4.9m

  18-07-2026 03:30 via thesun.ng
  
  The shirt worn by Brazil great Pele when he scored twice in the 1958 ‌World Cup final has sold for $4.9 ‌million at auction, becoming ‌the most valuable piece of ‌memorabilia linked to the football ‌legend, Sotheby’s said on Thursday.
  The number 10 shirt, ‌worn by the then 17-year-old as ‌Brazil beat hosts Sweden 5-2 in ​Stockholm to win their first world title, attracted ​10 bids from more than five bidders, the auction house said.
  The sale m
  
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• 2026 FIFA World Cup final: History asking for a signature  

  18-07-2026 03:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Douglas Baye-Osagie  If the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, could have written the script of the 2026 World Cup before a ball was kicked, this would possibly be it. The European Champions against the World Champions. The past meeting the present.  And in the middle, at 39, is Lionel Messi. One more final. One more chance to cement what is already immortal.This is not just a game. This is history asking for a signature. And if it happ
  
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• France battles England for bronze

  18-07-2026 02:02 via thesun.ng
  
  It’s the game that nobody from either France or England will want to play.
  The World Cup third-place play-off is the ‘wooden spoon’ of the tournament. A needless and pointless 90 minutes so one country can say they finished as the third-best.
  Frankly, it’s a title that no one wants. Not least in the wake of the crushing disappointment that only losing in a semi-final can bring.
  Today’s game will be Didier Deschamps’ last in charge of Les Bleus before handing t
  
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• World Cup winners to receive US-style championship rings

  18-07-2026 02:00 via thesun.ng
  
  The winners of Sunday’s World ‌Cup final between Spain and Argentina will receive championship rings in addition to the trophy and gold medals, FIFA said, the latest sign of the governing body’s push to Americanise its flagship tournament.
  FIFA said 30 ​bespoke rings would be presented to the winning team following the final at ​New York New Jersey Stadium, with the captain and head coach initially receiving temporary versions immediately after the match.
  The rings w
  
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• Meet Slavko Vincic, the 2026 final referee

  18-07-2026 01:59 via thesun.ng
  
  Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic will officiate his maiden FIFA World Cup final when football heavyweights Argentina and Spain meet in Sunday’s title clash. While the 46-year-old will become the first Slovenian to referee a World Cup final, he arrives with an impressive European résumé, having taken charge of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final and the 2021-22 UEFA Europa League final.
  A vastly experienced official, Vinčić has previously handled the UEFA Champions
  
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• FIFA respond to ‘insensitive’ Argentina banner

  18-07-2026 01:57 via thesun.ng
  
  FIFA is exploring disciplinary action after a group of Argentina players displayed a banner touting their country’s claim to the Falklands Islands following their 2-1 win over England at the World Cup.
  After the full-time whistle of Wednesday’s semi-final, some members of the Argentina squad could be seen holding a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine”.
  Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero and Giovani L
  
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• Barco’s wife labels Bellingham ‘useless’

  18-07-2026 01:56 via thesun.ng
  
  …After England star slaps husband
  VALENTIN Barco’s wife has branded Jude Bellingham “useless” and bizarrely claimed the six-goal England hero should have done his talking on the pitch.
  Model and influencer Yaz Juareguy posted a photo of the moment the Real Madrid star clipped her man around the ear.
  It is believed to be a reaction to the left-back’s decision to jump and cheer in front of the England players after Enzo Fernandez equalised from long range in the 85th
  
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