Author: Gabby

In a lighthearted remark, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva quipped that star forward Neymar may be the first player in history to be called up for national duty while effectively telecommuting. The comment came during a ceremony at a hospital in Belo Horizonte, located in the southeastern region of the country.

Neymar, aged 34 and Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, has been sidelined by a calf injury. He only resumed training with the squad earlier this week after recovering from the setback.

The Selecao’s campaign began with a 1-1 stalemate against Morocco, a match Neymar missed entirely. Furthermore, manager Carlo Ancelotti has decided to leave him out of the squad for the second group stage fixture against Haiti, scheduled for Saturday.

When a young boy mentioned Neymar’s name during the event, Lula responded with a grin: “Neymar? He is not even playing!” Continuing the jest, the president added, “Neymar is the first player to be called up (to the national team) who is working remotely.”

Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has voiced his regret over the absence of key attacking talents Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The ex-Super Eagles boss believes their non-participation is a significant loss for the tournament.

Nigeria failed to secure a spot in the global showpiece for the second consecutive edition, having last featured in 2018. Despite Africa being represented by ten nations, the three-time continental champions were notably absent.

Reflecting on the qualifying campaign, Rohr pointed out that Nigeria’s slow start proved costly. The team finished second in their group behind South Africa, which also included Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Benin Republic. Subsequently, they lost to DR Congo in the play-off round.

Speaking to Footy Africa, Rohr remarked, “It is unfortunate that Nigeria hasn’t been at the World Cup since 2018. In our group, they had outstanding individual talents but failed to function as a cohesive unit early on, dropping too many points.”

He added, “It is a real shame that world-class players like Osimhen, Lookman, and Chukwueze are not on display at this World Cup. For me, it’s a pity.”

South African center-back Ime Okon has opened up about his decision to represent Bafana Bafana instead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Hannover defender, who had the option to play for Nigeria through his heritage, made it clear that his heart belongs to South Africa.

Okon, who featured prominently in South Africa’s opening group stage match against the Czech Republic, reiterated that no formal approach was made by Nigerian football officials to switch his allegiance. He stressed that his bond with South Africa was the driving force behind his commitment.

When asked by Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana about any attempts from Nigeria to lure him, Okon firmly stated, “Not really, South Africa is my home. That’s what I have to say.” He added, “I have played for South Africa in the COSAFA games and I scored. I know where my heart lies.”

The 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic marked Okon’s full debut at the tournament, and he expressed pride in representing the nation he considers his own. His choice underscores the growing trend of dual-nationality players opting for the country they feel most connected to.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup marks the second consecutive tournament they have missed, extending a disappointing streak since their debut in 1994. Okon’s decision adds another layer to the narrative of African football talent and national identity.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has witnessed its first two nations secure berths in the Round of 32. Both co-hosts, Mexico and the United States, have punched their tickets to the knockout phase, delighting home fans.

The USA became the second team to qualify after a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia in a Group D clash held at Seattle Stadium. An own goal from Cameron Burgess and a strike by Alex Freeman sealed the win for the Americans.

With two wins from two matches, the United States sits atop Group D with six points, already assured of a place in the last 32. Their final group stage encounter is set for next Friday against Turkey.

Mexico had earlier secured its spot by edging past South Korea 1-0 in a tightly contested match on Friday. The Mexican side joins their co-host nation in the next round, marking a successful campaign for both North American teams.

As the tournament progresses, other nations will look to join these two in the knockout stage, with plenty of action still to come.

Turkish club Besiktas is actively seeking a replacement for Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, with Fiorentina’s Rolando Mandragora emerging as a primary target. The Nigerian international’s future at the club has become increasingly uncertain amid strong interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

Ndidi, who joined Besiktas from Leicester City, has been a key figure in the squad, delivering consistent performances and establishing himself as a leader in the dressing room. However, the looming threat of a departure has prompted the club’s management to explore alternative options.

According to Turkish media outlet Turkiye Gazetesi, Besiktas has now turned its attention to Mandragora, a midfielder currently with Fiorentina. The club’s manager, Vincenzo Italiano, has personally recommended the Italian player, having previously worked with him and knowing his abilities well.

Besiktas has already initiated contact with the Serie A side to inquire about Mandragora’s contract details and the conditions for a potential transfer. Fiorentina has indicated a willingness to negotiate but has set a price tag of approximately €10 million for the 27-year-old.

While no formal bid has been submitted yet, conversations between the two clubs are expected to intensify in the coming days. The outcome of Ndidi’s situation will likely dictate the urgency of Besiktas’s pursuit of Mandragora.

Haiti has become the first nation to bow out of the 2026 World Cup after falling to a 3-0 defeat against Brazil on Saturday. The Caribbean side’s elimination was sealed after two consecutive group stage losses, following a previous defeat in their opening match.

Brazil’s attacking trio proved too much for Haiti’s defense. Matheus Cunha netted twice within a span of 13 minutes, putting the Selecao firmly in control. Vinicius Junior then added a third goal, his second of the tournament, to cap a dominant performance.

With this victory, Brazil tops Group C on goal difference, but the group remains wide open heading into the final round of matches on Wednesday. Brazil will face Scotland, who themselves lost to Morocco earlier in the week.

Haiti’s early exit highlights the challenges faced by smaller footballing nations on the global stage, as they were unable to keep pace with the tournament’s heavyweights.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that star forward Neymar will be fit to play in the team’s third and final group stage fixture against Scotland. The Santos man has been sidelined with a calf injury sustained prior to the tournament.

Neymar missed the opening two matches — a 1-1 draw with Morocco and a 3-0 victory over Haiti. His return will provide a significant boost to the Brazilian squad as they aim to top their group.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after the Haiti win, Ancelotti outlined Neymar’s recovery plan. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Italian tactician stated that Neymar will undergo individual training on Saturday, rejoin full team practice on Sunday, and be selected for the Scotland clash.

With 79 international goals, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. His availability adds firepower to an already potent attack.