Author: Gabby

The management of Doma United has officially announced the appointment of Deji Ayeni as the club’s new head coach ahead of the forthcoming 2026/27 campaign, as confirmed by a reliable source.

Often referred to as the Savannah Tigers, the side recently secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and is now looking to build on that achievement under Ayeni’s leadership.

Ayeni brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously taken charge of nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba. His coaching journey also includes stints with Sunshine Stars, Akwa United, and Crown FC, showcasing his deep familiarity with Nigerian top-flight football.

Upon signing his contract, the 45-year-old tactician expressed his excitement about the opportunity. He said, “It is a great honour to join this ambitious project. Doma United has demonstrated a strong commitment to success, and I am eager to collaborate with the players, staff, and supporters to realize our collective ambitions.”

The club’s hierarchy is optimistic that Ayeni’s appointment will bring strategic direction and stability to the team as they prepare for the challenges of the NPFL.

The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba has been selected as the venue for the 2023 President Federation Cup finals. Both the men’s and women’s competitions will culminate at this location on Saturday, 11 July, as reported by DAILY POST.

In the men’s category, Ikorodu City is set to take on El-kanemi Warriors for the trophy. These two teams secured their spots in the final following victories over Nasarawa United and Wikki Tourists, respectively, during the semi-finals held on Wednesday.

For Ikorodu City, this marks a chance to claim their maiden title, while El-kanemi Warriors aim to secure their fourth championship. The winning side will earn a place in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.

On the women’s side, the semi-final lineup has been confirmed with FC Robo Queens, Heartland Queens, Sunshine Queens, and Nasarawa Amazons advancing to the last four.

Brazilian football icon Cafu has omitted Cristiano Ronaldo from his list of the greatest players in history, instead selecting four legends who he believes have truly transformed the sport.

Speaking to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in the World Cup, the former right-back was particularly impressed by Lionel Messi’s hat-trick performance.

Cafu stated that Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona, and Pelé stand above all others. He described Maradona as the embodiment of football artistry, and said the quartet have had a profound impact on the game.

“Maradona is the essence of football art, just like Messi, Pelé, and Ronaldinho. When I watch these unique and brilliant players, I truly admire them,” Cafu said.

“In my view, these four are equals and represent the four greatest players in history. They have fundamentally changed the sport and continue to do so.”

The comments have sparked debate among fans, given Ronaldo’s storied career and numerous accolades.

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has voiced strong criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team during the 2026 World Cup. Scholes described the 41-year-old superstar as a ‘problem’ for manager Roberto Martinez, arguing that a player of that age should only be starting as a goalkeeper, not as a striker.

Ronaldo made history by appearing in his sixth World Cup, equaling Lionel Messi’s record, and captained Portugal in their opening group match against DR Congo. Despite a bright start with an early goal from Joao Neves, Portugal failed to secure a win, drawing 1-1 after Yoane Wissa equalized just before halftime. Ronaldo had a particularly poor first half, failing to create chances, take shots, complete a dribble, or win a duel.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes revealed he had previously asked Martinez off-camera if Ronaldo was a burden. ‘At 41 years of age, there’s only one position where a player that age should start, and that’s goalkeeper,’ Scholes said. He acknowledged Ronaldo’s goal-scoring ability and Portugal’s possession-based style but warned that in transition-heavy games, the veteran’s lack of mobility would be exposed.

Scholes, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United for six years, expressed sympathy for Martinez, suggesting the forward would be far more effective as a late substitute. ‘For a 40- or 41-year-old to be playing centre-forward, I just don’t get it,’ he added. ‘You might get away with it at centre-half or goalkeeper, but not as a striker.’ He also contrasted Ronaldo’s performance with that of Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick for Argentina, and Kylian Mbappe, who netted twice, implying that Ronaldo would be frustrated by their achievements.

Scholes concluded that while Martinez publicly defends Ronaldo as ‘the best goalscorer in the world,’ deep down he must realize that the 41-year-old’s presence is harming the team. Portugal, as 2025 Nations League champions, are among the tournament favorites but now face pressure to advance from the group stage.

Former Watford captain Troy Deeney has expressed strong doubts about England’s ability to lift the World Cup trophy with Jordan Pickford as their last line of defense. According to Deeney, the Everton shot-stopper lacks the composure and reliability needed at the highest level.

Pickford recently earned his 85th international cap in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, a match that kicked off their World Cup campaign on a positive note. Since his debut in late 2017, he has been a mainstay for the Three Lions, featuring prominently under both Gareth Southgate and current manager Thomas Tuchel.

Despite his experience, Deeney remains unconvinced about Pickford’s capabilities. The former striker voiced his concerns during an appearance on CBS Sports, stating that England’s title aspirations are compromised by the goalkeeper’s erratic behavior. “To say the least, yeah,” Deeney replied when asked if Pickford is too unpredictable. “I don’t really know the stats and all of that. I’m just saying what my eyes told me.”

Deeney pointed to a specific moment in the Croatia match where Pickford should have done better. “I still think he should have saved the first one [Croatia goal], that’s my opinion. I think when you get a hand to it, it’s got to be a solid hand and keep it out.” He also criticized Pickford’s demeanor, noting instances where the goalkeeper shouted at teammates and waved away blame. “There’s just that feeling when I watch Jordan… there’s a shot from 50 yards and it trickles to him and he’s screaming at everyone, ‘Do your job! Don’t let any shots come in!'”

Deeney concluded by saying that Pickford fails to inspire confidence in the team. “Every time he parries one, fouls someone, does whatever, he’s like, ‘Don’t look at me!’ We’re trying to win a World Cup. That’s why we’re here. In my opinion, and respectfully Jordan, because you know I like you. We can’t win it with that guy in goal. He doesn’t give you any confidence.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has voiced concerns over Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence on the Portuguese national team, describing the 41-year-old forward as a significant challenge for manager Roberto Martinez.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Butt argued that Ronaldo’s immense ego could disrupt team dynamics. ‘He’s a great lad, but his ego is huge, and it makes him a massive problem for the squad,’ Butt stated, drawing parallels to Ronaldo’s controversial second stint at Manchester United.

Butt also highlighted the overwhelming fan support for Ronaldo, noting that nearly 90% of Portuguese fans at the recent 1-1 draw with DR Congo wore Ronaldo jerseys. ‘You’ve got that to deal with as a manager too,’ he added.

Martinez, meanwhile, defended his decision to keep Ronaldo on the pitch, attributing the lackluster performance to insufficient support in attack. ‘We need to get the ball to him near the six-yard box,’ Martinez said after the match.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has stirred debate by declaring that Harry Kane is the only player in the England squad who can be considered truly world-class. Speaking on his YouTube channel after the Three Lions’ 4-2 victory over Croatia in their World Cup opener, the former defender lauded Kane’s undeniable quality while suggesting others are merely hovering around that elite level.

Ferdinand remarked, “Harry Kane is our only genuinely world-class player right now. There are others teetering around it, but he is the absolute world-class figure in the squad. When you look at players who comfortably sit at the top table, he is that for England.” This assessment came despite a strong team performance that included goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford in the second half, securing a promising start for manager Thomas Tuchel’s side.

England’s campaign began with a thrilling encounter, during which Kane netted a brace in the first half. However, Croatia responded through Marin Baturina and Petar Musa to level the score before the break. The second half saw England reassert control, demonstrating the depth that has many optimistic about their chances in the tournament.

Kane, 32, who already holds the record as England’s all-time leading scorer, matched Gary Lineker’s mark for the most World Cup goals by an English player during this match. His outstanding form for Bayern Munich, where he netted 61 times in 51 matches last season, further cements his status as one of the game’s elite forwards. Ferdinand emphasized that while others may be close, Kane is the only one who unequivocally belongs in that highest tier.

England next face Ghana followed by Panama in Group L, with Tuchel’s men aiming to build on their opening win and secure knockout phase qualification.

The Black Stars of Ghana have reached a historic milestone in the FIFA World Cup, pulling level with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in terms of total victories. Their 1-0 triumph over Panama in the opening Group L fixture marked their sixth win in the tournament’s history.

This achievement makes Ghana only the second African nation to secure six World Cup wins, a feat previously exclusive to Nigeria. Caleb Yirenkyi became the hero for the West Africans, netting a dramatic goal in the 95th minute at Toronto Stadium in Canada. His late strike not only secured the three points but also denied Panama their first-ever point in World Cup competition.

The result leaves Ghana tied at the top of Group L alongside England, who are next up for the Black Stars on Tuesday. Ghana’s sixth victory came from 16 World Cup appearances, while Nigeria required 21 matches to reach the same tally. Cameroon follows closely with five wins from 26 games.

This accomplishment underscores the growing competitiveness of African football on the world stage, as Ghana continues to build on its rich World Cup history.

Mexico has become the first team to guarantee a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against South Korea on Friday. The co-hosts now have six points from their opening two Group A matches, making them the only side with a perfect record so far.

The decisive goal came from a costly mistake by South Korean goalkeeper Seung-Gyu Kim. He failed to hold onto a header from Raul Jimenez, allowing Luis Romo to pounce and chip the ball into an empty net. It was a moment of fortune that Mexico capitalized on fully.

On the other end, Mexico’s goalkeeper Raul Rangel was equally decisive. He produced a remarkable double save to deny substitute Gue-Sung Cho, preserving his team’s slender lead. The contest was ultimately a battle between the two goalkeepers, with Rangel coming out on top.

With this win, Mexico is poised to finish as group winners, which would mean their knockout match will be played in Mexico City—a huge advantage for Javier Aguirre’s squad. They now await their opponents in the next round, having already secured their place among the final 32 teams in the tournament.