Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, announced his arrival at the 2026 World Cup with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria. His treble ensured he drew level in the all-time scoring charts with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 tournament goals.
Ghana won a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday. Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending thousands of Ghanaians in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy and settling an otherwise attritional battle. Both sides largely struggled to generate chances in the first half after Panama striker Cecilio Waterma’s second minute attempt was steered away by outstretched Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ended their half-century wait to return to the FIFA World Cup in some style on Wednesday, as Yoane Wissa scored a fine equaliser as the Leopards came from behind to deny Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo a win. The 1-1 draw saw the DRC hold steady against the European favourites, with Wissa cancelling out João Neves’ first-half header. The result saw the Leopards record their first-ever point at a World Cup. Pitted against one of the tournament favourites in Portugal upon their return, Congo were up against it against Ronaldo and Co., but held their nerve…
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The normal display of African unity in the early stages of a football World Cup was notably absent from social media as many fans from across the continent backed Mexico in the tournament’s opening match against South Africa. The memes were light-hearted – including sombreros, mariachi bands and tacos – but they pointed to a dark underbelly. The banter reflected anger over the reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa. A poor South African performance on the pitch led to a 2-0 defeat against the World Cup co-hosts.
Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, delivered a high-energy joint performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, lighting up the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Senegal stunned Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over the hosts at the end of a match marred by disgraceful scenes following a controversial penalty award. Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco when he stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 24th added minute at the end of normal time. But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay of almost 20 minutes that followed the penalty award.
The Presidency has insisted that President Bola Tinubu’s $150,000 cash reward to the Super Falcons, is well-deserved. It has also compared it to the ₦150 million prize money awarded to winners of the reality TV show, Big Brother Naija.
FC Barcelona, on Thursday, produced a dominant attacking display to defeat FC Seoul 7–3 in an action-packed pre-season friendly. The Spanish giants wasted no time asserting their superiority, with Robert Lewandowski opening the scoring in the 8th minute.
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Tottenham Hotspur, on Thursday, claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over rivals Arsenal in a tightly contested preseason friendly.
AC Milan delivered a commanding performance in their preseason preparations, dismantling Australian side, Perth Glory, 9–0 in a one-sided friendly encounter on Thursday. The Italian giants took control early in the match, with F. Terracciano opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute.
Wrestling legend Terry Gene Bollea, popularly known as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71. According to TMZ and other reports, medics responded to his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday after being called for a cardiac arrest.
Manchester United made it two wins out of two with a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series pre-season tournament in Chicago on Wednesday. Goals from Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and teenager Ethan Williams sealed an encouraging result for Ruben Amorim’s side at a rainy, windswept Soldier Field.
England’s Euro 2025 triumph felt improbable for much of the tournament but underlined the winning mentality instilled in the team by Sarina Wiegman.
Following their triumph at the just-concluded 2024 WAFCON tournament in Morocco, the 24 players and 11 technical crew of the Super Falcons were rewarded with a cash prize of N4.602bn as well as the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. The players and officials were also given the sum of N350m by the Nigerian Governors Forum, taking their cash reward to N4.952bn during their reception at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons came from behind to secure a dramatic 3–2 victory over Morocco in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations clash played on Saturday. Here is a photo compilation of memorable moments both during and after the triumph. Nigeria lift the trophy Super Falcons lift the WAFCON. Photo: Soar Super Eagles/X Jennifer Echegini celebrates 88th minute WAFCON final winner Jennifer Echegini celebrates 88th minute WAFCON final winner. Photo: Soar Super Eagles/X Oshoala celebrates with Echegini Super Falcon players celebrate a triumphant win against Morocco. Photo: Justina Aniefiok/X Esther Okoronkwo had six assists in six games Esther Okoronkwo on the ball…
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Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has denied a viral claim that he was carrying eight-year-old Esther Okoronkwo on his shoulders at the Reebok Stadium in 2005.
