Nigeria General Sport news

• World Cup 2026: ₦20b down the drain!

  06-07-2026 05:08 via thesun.ng
  
  •How Nigeria’s costliest qualification campaign ended in failure
   
  By Joe Apu, Rasaq Oboiren, Romanus Ugwu and Bolaji Okunola
  When FIFA expanded the 2026 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, it was supposed to be Nigeria’s route back to football’s biggest stage. Africa’s allocation increased from five to nine automatic places, giving traditional powerhouses like Nigeria a greater margin for error.
  Instead, the Super Eagles turned what should have been the easiest qual
  
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• World Cup: Late Merino strike sends Spain into quarter-finals

  06-07-2026 23:25 via thesun.ng
  
  Spain snatched the quarter-final ticket at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after substitute Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in a tense Round of 16 clash at Dallas Stadium on Monday night.
  The decisive moment came in the first minute of added time when Ferran Torres slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Merino’s path. The midfielder timed his run between Portugal’s central defenders before calmly firing past goalkeeper Diogo Costa to
  
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• Spain beat Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

  06-07-2026 23:09 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Substitute Mikel Merino scored a late winner to put Spain in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Portugal and end Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup career on Monday.The European champions will face the United States — the only one of the co-hosts remaining — or Belgium on Friday in Los Angeles.In front of an expectant crowd of 70,649 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys, a match that on paper promised so much failed to really deliver.Extra time looked certain,
  
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• Mbappé fires back at Paraguayan senator after racist abuse

  06-07-2026 22:46 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Kylian Mbappé on Monday labelled a Paraguayan senator “despicable” and “not worthy of her position” after she racially abused the France captain on social media after the World Cup last-16 clash between the countries at the weekend.Mbappé’s reaction came after Celeste Amarilla attacked the Real Madrid superstar in the wake of Saturday’s game in Philadelphia, a bad-tempered affair which France won 1-0.“Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despic
  
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• World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s Cabral Beats Messi To Round Of 32 Best Goal Award

  06-07-2026 22:33 via completesports.com
  Cape Verde defender Sidny Lopes Cabral has been voted the winner of the Goal of the Round of 32 award at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports. Cabral earned the honour for his stunning strike in Cape Verde’s thrilling 3-2 extra-time defeat to defending champions Argentina. The 23-year-old full-back produced a moment of [...]
  The post World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s Cabral Beats Messi To Round Of 32 Best Goal Award appeared first on Complete Sports.
  
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• EXCLUSIVE — World Cup 2026: Bonfrere Backs France For Final, Says Teamwork Drove Super Eagles’ Golden Generation

  06-07-2026 21:44 via completesports.com
  
  Former Nigeria coach Johannes Bonfrere has predicted that the individual brilliance of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and other top stars will propel France to the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Completesports.com reports. Speaking on Sunday from his country home in the Netherlands, the Dutch tactician insisted that Les Bleus’ greatest strength in the [...]
  The post EXCLUSIVE — World Cup 2026: Bonfrere Backs France For Final, Says Teamwork Drove Super Eagles’ Golden Generati
  
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• World Cup 2026: Trump Did Not Influenced FIFA’s Decision To Reverse Balogun’s Red Card –Infantino

  06-07-2026 20:34 via completesports.com
  
  FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that he received a call from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun but asserted that the call did not influence the verdict. He stated that he reminded Trump that FIFA’s disciplinary bodies act independently and autonomously according to established regulations. Read Also:World Cup [...]
  The post World Cup 2026: Trump Did Not Influenced FIFA’s Decision To Reverse Balogun’s Red Card&
  
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• FIFA says Belgium’s appeal against Balogun decision ‘inadmissible’

  06-07-2026 20:19 via vanguardngr.com
  
  FIFA said on Monday that the appeal by Belgium’s football assocation against the World Cup reprieve for US striker Folarin Balogun was “inadmissible”.“The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible in relation to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend for one year the match suspension imposed on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun,” FIFA said in a statem
  
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• Portugal vs Spain: Ronaldo, Yamal start as Felix returns in World Cup blockbuster

  06-07-2026 20:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyePortugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal have both been named in the starting line-ups for Tuesday’s blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash.Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez has made one change to the side that defeated Croatia, recalling João Félix to the starting XI in place of Rafael Leão, who drops to the bench.Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, meanwhile, has retained the same XI that eased
  
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• Ronaldo starts for Portugal against Spain, Silva benched

  06-07-2026 20:03 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Cristiano Ronaldo was named in Portugal’s starting line-up for the last-16 showdown against Spain on Monday as he bids to extend his last World Cup.The 41-year-old will captain Roberto Martinez’s side as they face the European champions at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Ronaldo will be in the centre of a front three featuring Al Nassr team-mate Joao Felix and Pedro Neto of Chelsea.Bernardo Silva must again make do with a place on the benc
  
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• England receive Reece James boost ahead of Norway quarter-final clash

  06-07-2026 19:54 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeEngland manager Thomas Tuchel expects Reece James to be available for Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway after recovering from a hamstring injury, according to the BBC.James has missed England’s matches against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico after sustaining the injury during the group-stage victory over Ghana, but is expected to resume full training this week.His anticipated return comes as a timely boost for England following Jarell Quans
  
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• WAFCON 2026: Babajide Confident Super Falcons Can Defend Title, Book World Cup Place

  06-07-2026 19:53 via completesports.com
  
  Omorinsola Babajide has reaffirmed the Super Falcons’ determination to reclaim the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title ahead of the 2026 tournament, reports Completesports.com. Justine Madugu’s will be chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON crown when the competition kicks off in Morocco later this month. The WAFCON 2026 finals will also serve as the African qualifying [...]
  The post WAFCON 2026: Babajide Confident Super Falcons Can Defend Title, Book World Cup Place appeared f
  
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• Brazil federation defends ref criticised by Trump in Balogun storm

  06-07-2026 19:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Brazil’s football federation on Monday defended the integrity of a referee who US President Donald Trump said was “a little bit suspect”, amid a furore over FIFA’s reversal of a red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun.“There is nothing in his record that discredits him or gives grounds for any suspicion,” the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said in a statement sent to AFP. “He is an exemplary professional.”AFP
  The post Brazil fede
  
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• Belgium’s appeal against Balogun decision is ‘inadmissible’, says FIFA

  06-07-2026 19:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  FIFA said on Monday that the appeal by Belgium’s football assocation against the World Cup reprieve for US striker Folarin Balogun was “inadmissible”.“The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible in relation to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend for one year the match suspension imposed on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun,” FIFA said in a statem
  
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• Trust Ancelotti to rebuild Brazil after World Cup exit — Cafu

  06-07-2026 19:12 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeBrazil legend Cafu has urged the country to keep faith with head coach Carlo Ancelotti, insisting the Italian deserves time to rebuild the national team following its shock exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Speaking a day after Brazil’s 2-1 Round of 16 defeat to Norway, Cafu said the country’s World Cup disappointment should mark the beginning of a new cycle rather than the end of Ancelotti’s tenure.“It’s not the end of the world. It’s th
  
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• I told Trump FIFA disciplinary body was independent – Infantino

  06-07-2026 18:42 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Gianni Infantino said Monday he told Donald Trump that FIFA’s disciplinary body was independent when the president rang him about reviewing US World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s red card.“I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies,” FIFA chief Infantino said in a statement.The u-turn over Balogun’s one-game suspension allows him to play
  
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• England’s Jordan Henderson set for wrist surgery after Mexico win

  06-07-2026 18:25 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeEngland midfielder Jordan Henderson is expected to undergo surgery on the wrist he injured while celebrating his side’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, raising doubts over his involvement in the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The 36-year-old suffered the injury after appearing to fall awkwardly over the advertising hoardings during England’s celebrations at the Estadio Azteca following Sunday’s Round of 16 triumph.England manager Thomas Tuchel conf
  
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• World Cup 2026: Trump Confirms Asking FIFA To Review Balogun Ban

  06-07-2026 18:18 via completesports.com
  
  President Donald Trump has confirmed he asked FIFA to review United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension at the World Cup. Balogun, 25, was set to miss his side’s last-16 tie against Belgium after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round. But Fifa made [...]
  The post World Cup 2026: Trump Confirms Asking FIFA ToReview Balogun Ban appeared first on Complete Sports.
  
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• World Cup: Mexico coach Aguirre ‘proud but hurt’ after England defeat

  06-07-2026 18:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeMexico head coach Javier Aguirre says he is proud of his players despite admitting he was deeply hurt after their 3-2 defeat to England ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.According to ESPN, Aguirre described the Round of 16 loss at Estadio Azteca as a painful end to Mexico’s World Cup dream, while praising the spirit and unity of his squad.“I leave with mixed feelings. On one hand, proud of the family we built and very satisfied with the work done,”
  
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• AC Milan Job Bigger Than Man United –Amorim

  06-07-2026 18:07 via completesports.com
  
  New AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has disclosed that reviving the club is bigger than his tenure at Manchester United. Upon arriving in Milan to finalize his new role, the Portuguese coach admitted he originally intended to take on a smaller challenge after his Old Trafford departure but ultimately found the Rossoneri’s task to be [...]
  The post AC Milan Job Bigger Than Man United–Amorim appeared first on Complete Sports.
  
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• England Star Out Of World Cup After Suffering Serious Injury

  06-07-2026 17:43 via completesports.com
  
  England have been dealt a major setback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with midfielder Jordan Henderson ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering a serious injury that will require surgery. The 36-year-old sustained the injury in bizarre fashion following England’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Mexico in the knockout stage. Henderson, who [...]
  The post England Star Out Of World Cup After Suffering Serious Injury appeared first on Complete Sports.
  
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• World Cup 2026: Adidas unveils official match ball for semifinals, final

  06-07-2026 17:40 via vanguardngr.com
  
  With less than two weeks remaining until the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adidas has unveiled the official match ball that will be used for the tournament’s final four matches.The special-edition Trionda will feature in both semi-finals, the third-place playoff and the World Cup final, replacing the version used during the earlier stages of the competition.While the original Trionda celebrated the tournament’s three co-hosts — Mexico, Canada and the United States &md
  
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• France appeal to FIFA to cancel Olise’s yellow card after Balogun case

  06-07-2026 17:35 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The French Football Federation (FFF) has appealed to FIFA to overturn the yellow card shown to Michael Olise during France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Olise, one of France’s standout performers at the tournament, was booked following an altercation with Paraguay midfielder Matias Galarza. Although Galarza fell to the ground clutching his face, television replays appeared to show the Bayern Munich forward only grabbing his opponent’
  
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• Brazil keep faith with Ancelotti despite shocking World Cup exit

  06-07-2026 17:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeBrazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) has reaffirmed its confidence in head coach Carlo Ancelotti despite the Seleção’s stunning Round of 16 exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The five-time world champions suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Norway on Sunday, crashing out of the tournament in their earliest World Cup elimination since 1966.Despite the disappointing campaign, Brazil’s national team coordinator, Rodrigo Caetano, said the federation r
  
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• World Cup 2026: Two quarter-final fixtures confirmed

  06-07-2026 17:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  England and Norway will meet in one of the quarter-final clashes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Three Lions edged past co-hosts Mexico in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter.A brace from Jude Bellingham and a strike from Harry Kane sealed a 3-2 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s men, booking their place in the last eight.Norway secured their quarter-final spot on Sunday with a shock 2-1 victory over Brazil. Erling Haaland scored both goals for the Scandinavian side, while Neymar’s effo
  
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• OFFICIAL: Finnish Record League Title Winners Sign Former Golden Eaglets Midfielder

  06-07-2026 17:03 via completesports.com
  
  Finland record league title winners HJK have announced the signing of former Golden Eaglets midfielder Qurib Adetola on a one-year contract. The club confirmed the signing in a statement on their official website on Monday. “HJK has signed an agreement with 18-year-old Nigerian player Qurib Adetola,” HJK wrote stated. “The Nigerian youth national team player [...]
  The post OFFICIAL: Finnish RecordLeague Title Winners Sign Former Golden Eaglets Midfielder appeared first on Compl
  
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• Balogun: Trump confirms FIFA call, says ref has ‘suspect past’

  06-07-2026 16:49 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeUnited States President Donald Trump has disclosed that he personally requested a review by FIFA following the controversial red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun during the FIFA World Cup, saying the governing body’s decision to revisit the incident was the right one, according to the BBC.Trump’s latest remarks come a day after he publicly thanked FIFA for suspending Balogun’s red card, a decision that cleared the forward to feature in the United
  
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• Mamelodi Sundowns Plot Move For Super Eagles Defender

  06-07-2026 16:36 via completesports.com
  
  Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah is on the radar of South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, Completesports.com reports. Ndah is presently a free agent after leaving another South African club Stellenbosch FC following the expiration of his contract. The 28-year-old moved to Stellenbosch FC in the second half of last season after parting ways with Orlando Pirates. [...]
  The post Mamelodi Sundowns Plot Move For Super Eagles Defender appeared first on Complete Sports.
  
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• From Mussolini to Trump: Four times politics hit the World Cup

  06-07-2026 16:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  US President Donald Trump’s phone call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to have the red card for the co-hosts star striker Folarin Balogun reviewed is the latest instance of political interference in the World Cup.Balogun is free to play later on Monday in the last-16 match with Belgium after world football’s governing body said the ban will be suspended for a year.AFP Sport highlights other examples at previous World Cups:1934 — Mussolini’s CupItaly’s Fascist dictat
  
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• Forest appoint Glasner as new manager

  06-07-2026 15:08 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nottingham Forest hired former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as their new manager on Monday.Glasner left Palace at the end of last season after leading them to UEFA Conference League glory.He also guided Palace to their first major silverware when they beat Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final.Glasner is Forest’s fifth manager in the last year after Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou, Sean Dyche and Vitor Pereira.“I’m delighted to join Nottingham Forest as head coa
  
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