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How I convinced Messi to return for farewell match — Scaloni

September 25, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has revealed how he persuaded Lionel Messi to return to the national team for a farewell match following the forward’s retirement from international football. Scaloni said a player of Messi’s stature deserved the opportunity to receive a proper tribute from Argentina supporters. As reported by Reuters on Thursday, speaking to journalists, Scaloni said he played an instrumental role in convincing Messi to return, with the backing of the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The Argentina manager expressed satisfaction with Messi’s decision to participate in the farewell match, saying the occasion would provide an opportunity to honour the legendary forward. “I think a player like him deserves this. Personally, I did my part. We pushed for him to be able to play in this match,” Scaloni said. “We knew everything he was going through, but even so, he wanted to come and say goodbye to his people. I think if we’re going to pay tribute to him, it has to be now. “I engaged with him and endeavoured to persuade him that the present moment is optimal, as one cannot predict future developments. “The AFA and its president also fulfilled their responsibilities. This represents something truly meaningful, and he is deserving of it.” Messi announced his withdrawal from international football following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final. The defeat affected the forward deeply, and he took time to deliberate before making his decision public while also grieving the death of his father. Scaloni said the farewell match would give Messi an opportunity to say goodbye to Argentina supporters and allow them to honour his contribution to the national team.

Axel Witsel Retires From International Football After 18-Year Belgium Career

September 16, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel has retired from international football after an 18-year career with Belgium, ending his time as the country’s second-most capped player. The 37-year-old made his 140th and final appearance for Belgium in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual champions Spain in July. “It’s time to make way for the youngsters and the new generation,” Witsel said in a social media post. “I never imagined achieving so much when I started out at just 18 years old.” Witsel Ends Belgium Career Witsel made his Belgium debut in 2008 and became a key member of the country’s so-called ‘golden generation’, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. Despite their success, Belgium failed to win a major tournament, with their closest run coming at the 2018 World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to France in the semi-finals. Only former teammate Jan Vertonghen, with 157 appearances, has earned more caps for Belgium than Witsel. At club level, Witsel recently joined Ligue 1 side Nice from Girona. He has also played for Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid.

FG Pays $100,000 Each to D’Tigress Players for Fifth Afrobasket Triumph

September 10, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

FG Pays 0,000 Each to D’Tigress Players for Fifth Afrobasket Triumph

The National Sports Commission has confirmed that each player of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has received the naira equivalent of $100,000 as part of the Presidential Reward for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket. The commission also confirmed the payment of the naira equivalent of $50,000 to each of the team’s officials. The accounts of the players and officials were credited on September 9, 2026, with the NSC saying all recipients had confirmed receipt of the funds. D’Tigress won the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title for a record fifth consecutive time and seventh overall in 2025.The commission said the payment completed all components of the rewards promised to members of the team by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Kehinde Ajayi, on Wednesday, the NSC said the Presidential Rewards comprised three-bedroom flats in Abuja, national honours of the Order of the Niger and the cash payments. “With the payment, the entire presidential rewards promised to each member of the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR comprising a 3-Bedroom flat in Abuja, national honours of OON and Naira equivalent of $USD 100,000 to players and $USD 50,000 to officials have been fully redeemed and completed,” the statement said. The commission recalled that the players and officials received the title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours in February 2026 during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in Lyon, France. The NSC said the documents were duly signed by Tinubu.It added that the cash payment followed the team’s participation in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany. The commission also disclosed that the Super Falcons, who were similarly promised Presidential Rewards, had received title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours. It said the Falcons received the documents during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July and August 2026, adding that the cash component of their reward was expected to be paid before their next official engagements. The commission said the Super Falcons were promised the same cash rewards of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each official. It said the rewards were part of the Federal Government’s effort to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian athletes. The statement said, “This unprecedented rewards to the players and athletes by the Federal Government of Nigeria is in alignment with the Renewed Hope initiative and Shared Prosperity agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR which places athletes’ welfare and appropriate rewards top on the priority list. ”The commission thanked Tinubu for his support for Nigerian sports, saying his policies had given impetus to its reform agenda and efforts to develop a sustainable sports economy. It also appreciated the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for their collaboration in implementing the rewards. The NSC said the collaboration ensured that the Presidential Rewards were implemented “in record time within the due process requirements.”

UCL: Ødegaard Seals Arsenal’s 1st Win With Napoli Stunner

September 9, 2026 by Maria Adeleke

Martin Ødegaard struck in the 75th minute as Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Napoli in their Champions League league-phase opener. The Arsenal captain, on Wednesday night, curled a left-footed effort from outside the box that went in off the far post, assisted by substitute Christos Tzolis, to give the Gunners a deserved lead after they had dominated for long periods. Arsenal controlled possession and created the clearer chances throughout, firing in more than 20 shots. Napoli, missing key players including Scott McTominay, struggled to break down a solid Arsenal defence under Massimiliano Allegri. After four minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle. Mikel Arteta shook hands with Allegri, who then walked straight down the tunnel. The result gives Arsenal a strong start to their European campaign following last season’s runners-up finish. Arsenal, Napoli find breakthroughArsenal dominated the contest from the outset, registering a club-record 13 shots in the first half of a Champions League away fixture. Clear openings went begging, however, with Mikel Merino’s early header straight at Alex Meret, Bukayo Saka blazing over when clean through just before the interval, and Piero Hincapié somehow directing the ball over the bar from close range early in the second half. The introduction of substitutes, including Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke, added fresh impetus. Madueke himself spurned a late one-on-one opportunity that would have made the scoreline more comfortable. Despite the wastefulness in front of goal, the visitors’ control never seriously wavered, and David Raya was rarely tested as Arsenal claimed a hard-earned clean sheet on the road. The result extends Arsenal’s perfect start to the season across all competitions and provides an ideal platform as they turn their attention to Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland. A post match report on the club website stated, “After the first of four successive away games, we’re back in action on Saturday night when we make the long trip to Sunderland, before we turn our attention to the Carabao Cup and a third-round tie with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Tuesday. “Then we finish off before the international break with a meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, September 19.”

Coach Jakirović Signs New Hull City Deal After Perfect Premier League Start

September 5, 2026 by admin

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has agreed to a new two-year contract with the newly promoted side after leading the Tigers to a flawless start in their Premier League return. The 49-year-old’s new deal will keep him at the MKM Stadium until the summer of 2028, with the club holding an option to extend the contract by a further 12 months until the end of the 2028/29 season. A Friday club statement on its website disclosed this. Jakirović has overseen a remarkable transformation since taking charge in June 2025, guiding Hull from the brink of relegation in his first season in English football to Premier League promotion. His impressive work has continued in the top flight, with Hull winning their opening two league matches without conceding a goal. The Tigers began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium before securing another three points with a 1-0 win away to Coventry City. Jakirović and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta are the only two managers among the four coaches who won their opening two Premier League matches to have also kept clean sheets in both games. Chelsea’s Xabi Alonso and Manchester City’s Enzo Maresca also began the campaign with two victories. Hull’s opening-day victory over Manchester United was particularly significant, as it was their first league win over the Red Devils in 52 years. The club said Jakirović averaged 1.58 points per game during his debut Championship campaign, helping Hull secure a play-off place on the final day of the regular season after a 2-1 victory over Norwich City. He subsequently led the Tigers past Millwall in the semi-finals before defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley. Jakirović secured promotion with three consecutive clean sheets, becoming only the third Hull City manager to lead the club to the Premier League through the play-offs. Reflecting on his new contract, Jakirović said: “I have felt the support from the club and our fans from the minute I arrived, so I am delighted that this journey will continue. Hull feels like my home and I’m excited for this journey to continue. “Promotion to the Premier League is a dream come true. You have to believe in your work and we have a special group here who are sticking together as a family. We have shown in our first games of the season that we can compete at this level and be dangerous. Discover more Headline news service Metro Plus news Advertising services Nigerian culture insights Newspaper archives “We will, of course, continue to work hard and perform in a way that makes our supporters proud.” Hull City chairman Acun Ilıcalı also expressed his delight at retaining the coach. He said: “From the first day we met, it was clear that we had a special relationship. Everyone at the club believes that Sergej is a high-quality coach and it is a big privilege to have him here. “He is the perfect coach for our vision and, having experienced last season together, we created some amazing moments at Wembley. I thank him for that. “We are happy that Sergej is happy here. This is a special day for us, and we look forward to our journey continuing together in the Premier League.” Jakirović was appointed in June 2025 and has now been rewarded with a long-term commitment after taking Hull from the threat of relegation to the top flight and then making an immediate impact on their return after a 10-year absence.

Super Eagles Legend Daniel Amokachi Obtains Coaching Licence in Morocco

September 10, 2026September 4, 2026 by admin

Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi has successfully completed the CAF A coaching licence course in Morocco, further strengthening his qualifications and credentials as a football coach. Amokachi announced the achievement in a Facebook post on Wednesday, expressing appreciation to the Moroccan Football Federation for the opportunity. “Finally CAF A In The Bag. Thank U Moroccan Football Federation, For The Opportunity,” he wrote. The former Nigeria international, popularly known as ‘The Bull’, has previously worked as a coach in Nigeria and abroad, including serving as an assistant coach with the Super Eagles. The CAF A licence is one of the advanced coaching qualifications issued under the Confederation of African Football’s coaching education structure.

Injured Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Secure 3-2 Victory Over Istanbul Basaksehir

September 10, 2026September 4, 2026 by admin

Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen scored his sixth goal of the season before leaving the pitch with an injury as the Turkish champions battled to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday. Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead in the 16th minute, finishing off an attacking move to put his side in front. However, the Nigerian forward was unable to continue after picking up an injury and was substituted 17 minutes later, with Barış Alper Yılmaz coming on in his place. Istanbul Basaksehir responded after the break, with Eldor Shomurodov converting a penalty in the 66th minute to level the score. Galatasaray regained the advantage five minutes later when Lucas Torreira found the back of the net in the 71st minute after a well-worked team play. The hosts were pegged back again after Davinson Sánchez turned the ball into his own net, restoring parity and setting up a tense finish. With the match heading towards a draw, Gabriel Sara produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute, curling a free-kick into the net to hand Galatasaray all three points. The victory keeps Galatasaray’s strong start to the season intact, while attention will now turn to the extent of Osimhen’s injury following his early substitution.

‘I Have Nothing More to Give’ – Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

September 10, 2026August 31, 2026 by admin

Lionel Messi has announced his decision to retire from the Argentina national team, bringing his two-decade international career to an end, saying he has “nothing more to give.” The Argentina captain made the announcement in an emotional letter posted on his Instagram reel on Monday, revealing that he had reached the decision shortly after the final and had become even more convinced following the death of his father. Messi said, “After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team.” He admitted the decision was painful but said he believed it was the right time to end his international career. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment,” Messi said. The 39-year-old stressed that he had always given his best for Argentina,including during the difficult years before the country’s recent successes. “I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too,” he said. “I always fought and gave everything for this shirt, to bring you happiness and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football. “There isn’t much time left, and different chapters are coming to an end. This is one that hurts me a lot,” he said. “I love, I loved, and I will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had, and I don’t have anything more to give.” The veteran forward also pointed to the emergence of younger players who, he said, deserved an opportunity to represent the national team. “Also, there are great young players coming through who deserve to be here,” Messi added. Reflecting on his two decades with Argentina, Messi thanked supporters for their unwavering affection and said he would continue backing the team even after stepping away. “Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones,” he said. Messi also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and directors who accompanied him throughout his international career. He said he was leaving with “peace and pride”, having shared unforgettable moments with his teammates and supporters. “I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you. I love you!” he said. The Argentina star ended his statement by thanking God for making him Argentine before signing off with, “Vamos Argentina!” Messi also said he originally wrote the statement on July 21, two days after the final. “Today, after what happened with my dad, I’m even more convinced of this decision than before,” he added.

Three Key Talking Points from the Premier League Weekend

September 11, 2026August 30, 2026 by admin

Chelsea and Manchester City have made the strongest starts to a Premier League season marked by significant changes, while Liverpool and Tottenham have struggled to find their rhythm early on. City sit top, ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa on Monday, after a 4-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace, while Chelsea edged out Brighton 4-3 to maintain their perfect start under Xabi Alonso. By contrast, Tottenham’s massive outlay on new players is yet to bear any fruit as they remain without a point or even a goal, while Andoni Iraola has only managed two draws in his opening two matches in charge of Liverpool. AFP Sports looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend: Front three give Chelsea reason to dream Two Premier League games into Alonso’s reign as Chelsea manager, the Blues have seven goals, six points and plenty of reasons for optimism. The acid test of whether Chelsea are truly back to being title contenders comes when they travel to face champions Arsenal next weekend. But the arrival of Alonso on the bench and Morgan Rogers to form a potent front three alongside Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, has transformed a side that finished 10th last season. That failure could ultimately help Chelsea’s chances of a first league title in a decade as they have no European football, while their rivals face the strain of the Champions League. “Chelsea has so much quality on transition moments they have maybe the best offensive line in the league,” said Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler. Alonso has already shown an adaptability to maximise the weapons at his disposal. Chelsea had just 26 percent possession against Brighton, the lowest of any league match in Alonso’s managerial career. Yet, they lured the Seagulls on to strike decisively on the counter-attack, epitomised by Pedro’s third goal from a move beginning in the Chelsea area. Spurs ‘can’t buy mentality’ Roberto De Zerbi surveyed the damage from big-spending Tottenham’s dismal start and admitted it is mentality rather than money that will define their season. The Italian’s spending spree has topped 300 million pounds (406 million dollars) ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, only for Tottenham to lose 3-0 at Brentford in their opening game and 2-0 at home to Newcastle on Saturday. Bottom of the table Tottenham have lost their opening two matches of a league campaign without scoring for the first time since 1974-75. After successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, De Zerbi know the mounting pressure on his players could be a problem. “After two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons. I have no doubt it’s not like this,” he said. “It’s the biggest target to find the right mentality. Unfortunately, you can’t buy the mentality in the transfer market.” Liverpool ignore glaring gaps Liverpool could feature a forward line with each player costing in excess of 100 million pounds at Ipswich on Friday, with Bradley Barcola set to join Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in the Reds’ star-studded attack. Isak and Wirtz have so far offered little return on the huge sums paid for them 12 months ago, but each had a hand in a goal each of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Sweden striker tapped home his first goal of the season, while Wirtz’s brilliant assist teed up Victor Munoz to rescue a point in the final 10 minutes. Despite a prolonged search for attacking reinforcements since Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season, it is at the other end that Liverpool still look brittle. Iraola’s reign has begun with two chaotic 2-2 draws that exposed a lack of midfield protection for defensive deficiencies. Both full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong were replaced after a chastening first hour and Iraola may regret not focusing more on strengthening at the back rather than splashing out on another expensive forward. AFP

JUST IN: NFF Appoints Abdulrahaman as NPFL Chief as New League Season Kicks Off

August 28, 2026 by admin

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), coinciding with the commencement of the 2026/27 league season on Friday. The appointment was announced by the NFF on Friday, the same day the new NPFL season opened with a headline fixture between Shooting Stars and newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan. The federation said Abdulrahaman’s appointment took immediate effect. His appointment followed a directive issued by the NFF on Thursday, August 27, for all board members and chief executive officers of the various leagues, as well as chief operating officers who are not members of NFF staff, to vacate their positions. The directive is part of the federation’s ongoing restructuring of its management and league administration. The NFF also appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as its interim General Secretary on Thursday. Ikpeme confirmed Abdulrahaman’s appointment, saying it was made in line with the federation’s directive. Abdulrahaman will now oversee the operational administration of the NPFL as clubs begin their campaigns in the new season. The opening-day fixture in Ibadan saw Shooting Stars face newly promoted Inter Lagos as the NPFL returned to action across the country. The new season will see clubs compete for the league title, continental qualification places and survival as the campaign progresses. The appointment comes a day after the NFF appointed Ikpeme as its interim General Secretary, following the directive for members of the federation’s management and secretariat affected by the restructuring to vacate their positions.