Author: Gabby

Spain’s Lamine Yamal has unequivocally stated that Lionel Messi is the finest footballer to ever grace the game. The Barcelona prodigy made this declaration after witnessing Messi’s stunning hat-trick that propelled Argentina toward defending their World Cup title.

Yamal, who is preparing with La Roja for their upcoming group-stage encounter against Saudi Arabia, couldn’t hide his admiration for the Argentine superstar. He noted that Messi’s latest performance—a three-goal masterclass against Algeria—has reignited the global conversation about who truly deserves the GOAT label.

“Messi’s hat-trick? Every match he plays proves that he is the greatest player in history. If anyone still has doubts, it’s because they’re deliberately looking for them. Leo is the GOAT,” Yamal told RTVE.

The young winger’s comments come at a time when the football world is once again split over the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo debate. With Messi leading Argentina to a strong start in the 2026 World Cup, Yamal’s endorsement adds weight to the argument that the Barcelona legend remains unmatched.

Spain, meanwhile, will be counting on Yamal’s creativity as they aim to advance deep into the tournament. His bold statement not only confirms his personal belief but also reflects the respect Messi commands from the next generation of football stars.

Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsamiro is on the verge of finalizing a permanent transfer to Serie B side Pisa, according to reports. The 21-year-old joined the Tuscan club on loan from Serie A champions Inter Milan last summer.

Reports indicate that Pisa have exercised the €7.5 million purchase option included in Akinsamiro’s loan contract. However, the club is awaiting Inter Milan’s response to their proposal before the deal can be completed.

The defensive midfielder impressed during his loan spell with Pisa last season, despite the team being relegated to Serie B. He contributed one assist in 24 league appearances, showcasing his potential in the middle of the park.

Akinsamiro’s permanent switch would mark a significant step in his career, as he seeks to establish himself in Italian football. Pisa appear keen to secure his services for the long term.

Sunday Oliseh, the former captain of the Super Eagles, has revealed which African nation has caught his eye during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead of tipping traditional powerhouses like Morocco or Ghana, he singled out a debutant side.

The ex-Nigeria midfielder has been particularly impressed by Cape Verde, a small island nation making its first-ever appearance at the global showpiece. Oliseh described himself as a devoted fan of the team after witnessing their disciplined performance against Spain.

Cape Verde held the European champions to a goalless draw in their opening fixture, a result that drew widespread acclaim. According to Oliseh, the team’s organization and tactical discipline are no accident. He remarked that their display reflects years of careful planning and development.

Several African teams have made strong starts at the tournament. Ghana and Ivory Coast secured wins over Panama and Ecuador respectively, while Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil and DR Congo matched Portugal’s intensity in another 1-1 stalemate. Egypt also managed a point against Belgium. However, South Africa, Algeria, Senegal, and Tunisia all lost their opening matches.

Oliseh expressed his admiration for Cape Verde’s style of play and hinted at a personal desire to visit the country. He noted that their absence from the Africa Cup of Nations might have been a deliberate strategy to focus on World Cup preparation. The former coach’s comments highlight the growing respect for Cape Verde’s footballing rise.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has urged Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, to maintain their concentration as they gear up for the upcoming WAFU B tournament in Côte d’Ivoire next month. The Malian tactician visited the team in Abuja on Friday, shortly after they thrashed Bussdor United 5-0 in a friendly match.

During his visit, Chelle emphasized the importance of discipline and attentiveness to coaching instructions, stating that these qualities are crucial for career progression. “If you want to succeed and achieve your dreams, you must stay focused and listen carefully to your coaches,” he advised. “Doing so will make the sky your starting point and greatly increase your chances of success.”

The Flying Eagles enter the tournament as defending champions, having won the WAFU B U-20 trophy previously. This competition also serves as the qualifier for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, adding to the stakes. Chelle’s words of encouragement come at a critical time as the team intensifies preparations to defend their title and secure a spot in the continental championship.

The Premier League has unveiled the complete schedule for Chelsea in the 2026/2027 season. The Blues will kick off their campaign away from home, facing Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, August 24.

Following their opening match, Chelsea will host Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 29, marking their first home game of the season. The fixture list includes several high-profile encounters, such as a London derby against Arsenal on September 5 and a clash with Tottenham Hotspur on October 24.

The season is packed with tough away games, including trips to Manchester City on December 12 and Liverpool on May 1. Chelsea will also face Manchester United twice, first at home on October 31 and then away on February 6. The final match of the season is scheduled for Sunday, May 30, at home against Brentford.

In addition to league fixtures, Chelsea will participate in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, with rounds interspersed throughout the calendar. International breaks are also accounted for, with pauses in late September and early October, as well as mid-November and late March.

Evans Ogenyi, the technical adviser of Wikki Tourists, has voiced his disappointment following the team’s elimination from the 2026 President Federation Cup. The Bauchi Elephants were defeated 3-1 by El-Kanemi Warriors in the semi-final held at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Wednesday.

Speaking to the club’s media, Ogenyi admitted that the result was hard to accept but acknowledged that it was inevitable. “The outcome is disheartening as it marks the end of our journey in the tournament. We gave our all to secure a spot in the final, but fate had other plans,” he said.

The defeat means El-Kanemi Warriors will square off against Ikorodu City in the final, scheduled for Saturday, 11 July, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

The Premier League has confirmed Arsenal’s match schedule for the 2026/27 season. The Gunners will kick off their campaign at home against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21, at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s first away test follows a week later, as they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Saturday, August 29. The fixture list includes mouthwatering clashes throughout the season, ensuring fans have plenty to look forward to.

In September, Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates on Saturday the 5th, before heading to Sunderland (12th) and Brighton (19th). October features home games against Leeds United (10th) and Everton (24th), with trips to Nottingham Forest (17th) and Liverpool (31st).

November sees the Gunners welcome Hull City on the 7th and Manchester City on the 28th, with a visit to Newcastle United on the 21st. December is packed with derbies: away to Brentford (2nd), Tottenham Hotspur (5th), Crystal Palace (26th), and Fulham (30th), plus home matches versus Bournemouth (12th) and Manchester United (19th).

January 2027 opens with Ipswich Town at home (2nd) and Brentford at the Emirates (6th), followed by trips to Hull City (16th) and Manchester City (30th), and a home encounter with Newcastle United (23rd). February features Liverpool at home (6th) and away games at Ipswich Town (10th) and Manchester United (27th), plus a home fixture against Fulham (20th).

In March, Arsenal host Crystal Palace (3rd) and Sunderland (20th), with a trip to Chelsea on the 13th. April’s schedule includes away matches at Coventry City (10th) and Bournemouth (24th), and a home game versus Aston Villa (17th). The season concludes in May with Tottenham Hotspur at home (1st), Leeds United away (8th), Nottingham Forest at home (15th), Everton away (23rd), and Brighton at the Emirates (30th).

Key dates for Arsenal fans include the North London derby against Tottenham on December 5th and May 1st, and the clashes with Manchester City on November 28th and January 30th. The season ends on May 30th with Brighton visiting the Emirates.

Mutiu Adepoju, a former midfielder for Nigeria, has voiced his opposition to Victor Osimhen being named captain of the Super Eagles. The Galatasaray striker has been mentioned as a potential leader following the retirements of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa from international duty. Despite his talent, Adepoju believes Osimhen lacks the essential qualities for the role.

Adepoju emphasized that leadership goes beyond raw skill. In a discussion with PM Parrot, he explained that a captain must demonstrate playing ability, leadership traits, emotional stability, and the skill to represent and unify the squad both on and off the field. He stated that individuals who cannot tolerate others or manage their own behavior are unfit to lead effectively.

Currently, Wilfred Ndidi holds the captain’s armband, with Osimhen and Moses Simon serving as vice-captains. Adepoju’s remarks come as part of a broader conversation about the team’s leadership structure, urging that captaincy be reserved for players who can truly command respect and foster team cohesion.

Portugal’s football federation has identified three potential successors for Roberto Martinez, who is expected to leave his post as national team coach following the 2026 World Cup. According to reports from talkSPORT, Martinez’s departure is anticipated after the tournament, with a possible move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The shortlist includes Jorge Jesus, Abel Ferreira, and Sérgio Conceição, all of whom have strong ties to Portuguese football. Jesus and Ferreira are currently managing clubs in Brazil, while Conceição is a former Porto boss.

Initially, Jose Mourinho was the top target for the role, and discussions were held. However, Mourinho ultimately chose to take over at Real Madrid, leaving the federation to explore other options.

Portugal’s World Cup campaign began with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, a result that has added pressure on Martinez ahead of his expected exit.

Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller has publicly recommended that his former club pursue Freiburg standout Johan Manzambi, following the midfielder’s impressive showing for Switzerland in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

Manzambi netted twice in a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, catching the eye of top European clubs. The 20-year-old had already been on Manchester United’s radar this summer transfer window.

Muller spoke highly of the young talent, stating, “He’s a quality player overall. We’ve had him on our radar for some time.” He added, “For me, he’s someone worth considering. He shows great flexibility and a carefree attitude on the pitch.”

The German legend’s comments are seen as a clear signal for Bayern to act quickly to secure Manzambi’s signature, potentially beating Premier League rivals to the deal.