The next Africa Cup of Nations has been pushed six months ahead as it is now set to take place in June 2026. All was scheduled for Africa’s showpiece to next take center stage in June 2025 in Morocco but it clashes with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States of America from June 15 to July 13. Africa is set to have four representatives at the Club World Cup and many of the players could also be called up for the AFCON. Africa’s football governing body, CAF, was continuously quizzed about the…
Author: Somto Isaac
Antonio Rudiger has suggested Germany can learn from UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid in their ability to kill games. Rudiger played a key role for Real in their 2023-24 Champions League campaign, including keeping a clean sheet in their 2-0 final win against Borussia Dortmund. Los Blancos’ triumph extended their unbeaten run in finals for more than 40 years and was their 15th European Cup win. “[Germany and Real], these are two different pairs of shoes,” Rudiger said in a presser at the national team’s base in Herzogenaurach. “Here we have a very good system that fits our game…
Napoli have confirmed the appointment of Antonio Conte as the club’s new manager on a three-year contract. The 54-year-old had embarked on a year departure from management following his exit from Tottenham Hotspur. The Italian will now take charge of a Napoli team which disappointed in the defence of their title, finishing 10th last term. Conte said in a statement: “I can certainly promise one thing: I will do my utmost for the growth of the team and the club. My commitment, along with that of my staff, will be total.” Conte’s excellent track record speaks for itself, having won…
Real Madrid lifted their 15th UEFA Champions League title after their 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley and UEFA chiefs have recognized the individual contributions of their key players. Vinicius Junior has been named as the Champions League Player of the Season while Jude Bellingham has also been honored as the best young player. Brazil international Vini Jr. scored six goals and registered five assists – including scoring the second in the final win over Dortmund. The 23-year-old said: “I’m very happy to be able to win another Champions League with this club, which has given me so much.”…
Real Madrid have announced the signing of France star Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, bringing an end to the long transfer saga. The 25-year-old joins the European champions on a five-year contract, achieving a life long dream as he will be strutting his stuff at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu from next season. Following their 15th UEFA Champions League crown, Los Blancos revealed in a statement, saying: “Real Madrid C.F. and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.” Reacting to his new move, Mbappe shared pictures on his social…
Jose Mourinho has been out of work since January, but the popular Portuguese coach is now set for a new job. According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Mourinho is set to take over at Turkish club, Fenerbache ahead of the new season. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Chelsea manager is reported to have signed and agreed a contract with the Istanbul club until June 2026. It was also stated that the deal was negotiated by famous agent Jorge Mendes. This will be Mourinho’s 10th different club as a manager. He has coached Benfica, Leiria, Porto,…
Bayern Munich’s new head coach Vincent Kompany has made it clear what to expect from his side’s playing style as he so makes demands on the approach every player of the club must show. The 38-year-old — who signed a contract until 2027 after leaving Burnley following their relegation from the Premier League — has stated he will demand absolute aggression and bravery from his charges. The Bavarians who have won the league title in the last 11 campaigns finished third in the recently-concluded 2023-24 season, behind Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart. The German giants also failed to win a…
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has shutdown talk of landing a maiden Ballon d’Or while emphasizing on the need to keep improving as opposed to individual laurels. The 23-year-old is seemingly focused on winning a second Champions League title on Saturday, when Los Blancos battle Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, before worrying about personal glory. The Brazilian was responsible for Madrid’s 14th European triumph in 2022, netting from close range in the 1-0 win over Liverpool. The final in 2022 was a crowing moment for Vini who had a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital. Following the departure of…
Reigning African Player of the Year and Nigeria star, Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers coming up in June. The 25-year-old will now miss the games against South Africa and Benin due to injury. The Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] revealed that the Napoli striker sustained an injury which will sideline him for up to four weeks. Osimhen — who is of keen interest in the upcoming summer transfer window and has a 120million Euros release clause — has now been replaced by Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke. The Super Eagles are set…
Real Madrid stormed to their record-extending 36th league title following a stunning 2023-24 campaign which saw them record just one loss and one player key to their success has been ultimately awarded as the LaLiga Player Of The Season. Jude Bellingham was voted by fans, club captains and a panel of experts beating teammate Vinicius Jr., Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid and Girona marksman Artem Dovbyk. The 20-year-old scored 19 goals and recorded six assists in 28 league games, while also totalling 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Los Blancos. The Englishman, who was…