Author: Gabby

Kun Khalifat FC has officially paid tribute to their former captain, Chikamso Amaefula, as he prepares to join Nigeria Premier Football League outfit Rivers United. The Owerri-based side lauded the defender’s unwavering commitment and professionalism during his tenure.

In a heartfelt statement, the club described Amaefula as a diligent and disciplined player who consistently prioritized the team’s objectives. He was commended for his humility, respect for others, and exemplary team spirit.

The club noted that his loyalty and reliability set a high standard for his teammates. Amaefula’s positive influence and tireless work ethic left a lasting impression on the squad.

Kun Khalifat FC extended their best wishes to him as he embarks on a new chapter with Rivers United, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed at the next level.

Manchester United have officially confirmed that Premier League competitors Manchester City and Liverpool are not permitted to trigger Marcus Rashford’s £40 million release clause. The 27-year-old forward is poised to rejoin the Red Devils after Barcelona opted not to exercise a €30 million permanent transfer option.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the clause specifically excludes both City and Liverpool, leaving the final decision to the player himself. Romano shared on social media that Rashford will review all available options, which could also include remaining at Old Trafford under manager Michael Carrick.

Currently, Rashford is representing England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in North America, adding another layer of complexity to his future plans.

Rivers Angels forward Abasiofon Uwah has addressed the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) top scorer award, which sparked tensions at the season’s end. Uwah and Edo Queens’ Atume Doosuur both netted 13 goals in the 2025-26 campaign, but only a single trophy was presented during the ceremony, leading to a heated moment.

Reflecting on the incident, Uwah acknowledged her reaction was excessive. She expressed gratitude to those who reached out: “Thank you to everyone who has shown care, and I want to be transparent with you,” she shared in a statement. “Atume and I gave our all this season to finish as co-top scorers. When just one award was handed out, I held onto it—not from anger, but because that trophy symbolized every sacrifice I made this season. However, looking back, I admit I could have handled that situation better.”

Uwah emphasized there is no animosity between her and Doosuur. “There is no bad blood between Atume and me. We respect each other as players and individuals,” she said. The NWFL organizers have since resolved the issue, ensuring both players receive due recognition.

Nigerian striker Stanley Iheanacho has officially rejoined Danish Superliga side FC Midtylland from Portuguese club CD Mafra. The 21-year-old forward has committed to a contract that runs through December 31, 2030, signaling the club’s long-term plans for the talented attacker.

Iheanacho initially played for FC Midtylland before moving to CD Mafra two years ago. During his stint in Portugal, he scored 17 goals in 65 appearances, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently.

Expressing his excitement about returning, Iheanacho noted that many of his former teammates from the U19 squad and his time at Mafra are now part of the first team. He emphasized his eagerness to contribute to the club’s success, aiming to win titles and compete in the Europa League.

Emmanuel Petit, the former French international, has advised England manager Thomas Tuchel to exclude Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka from the starting lineup for the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Croatia. Petit believes the winger has not been performing at his best, citing his struggles in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain last season.

The 24-year-old, according to Petit, has lost his impact on the pitch. In a conversation with talkSPORT, Petit stated that Saka should not be in the first XI, as other players are more deserving. He emphasized that Saka is not the kind of player who can be effective even when playing below his best, unlike legends such as Zinedine Zidane or Lionel Messi.

Petit’s comments come ahead of England’s crucial group stage match, and he is urging Tuchel to make bold decisions to ensure the team’s success in the tournament.

Kylian Mbappe delivered a stellar performance for France in their 2026 World Cup debut, securing a 3-1 victory against Senegal and etching his name into the history books with two remarkable records. The match, held on Tuesday night, saw the French captain rise to the occasion after a quiet first half.

Mbappe struggled to make an impact early on, but the game shifted in the second half. After a penalty appeal was turned down, the Real Madrid star connected with a pass from Michael Olise to break the deadlock. This goal tied him with Olivier Giroud at 57 goals, making him France’s joint all-time leading scorer.

Bradley Barcola, coming off the bench, extended France’s lead with a well-taken goal. Senegal responded when Mbaye pulled one back, briefly reigniting hopes for the African side. However, Mbappe had the final word, capitalizing on a loose ball and slotting it past goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

That second goal cemented Mbappe’s status as France’s all-time top scorer, surpassing Giroud. Additionally, with 14 World Cup goals, he now holds the record for the most by a French player in the tournament’s history, surpassing even Lionel Messi’s tally on the global stage.

In a scathing critique, former Brazilian international Vampeta has openly condemned Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain midfielder argued that the Santos forward’s spot came at the expense of another player’s opportunity to live their dream on the global stage.

Neymar, currently recovering from a calf injury sustained on May 17, was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s final 23-man roster for the tournament. However, Vampeta dismissed the decision as unjustifiable, pointing out that Neymar missed Brazil’s recent 1-1 draw with Morocco due to the same injury.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet BNews, Vampeta stated, “His presence took the dream away from another athlete. Neymar last played on May 17. In the first 16 days of the World Cup, he has zero chance of playing—he can’t perform with a grade-two calf injury. Is he going to be match-fit for a title fight? Absolutely no chance.”

The remarks highlight growing dissent over Neymar’s fitness and selection, with questions lingering about Brazil’s reliance on the star forward as they chase a sixth World Cup title.