Author: Gabby

Tunisian football authorities have decided to part ways with head coach Sabri Lamouchi, following a disastrous 5-1 loss to Sweden in their World Cup 2026 opener. The Carthage Eagles were completely overwhelmed by the Swedish side on Sunday night, a result that sealed Lamouchi’s fate after a short and troubled tenure.

Lamouchi took charge of the Tunisian national team in January 2026, but his spell was marked by poor results. His first match ended in a goalless draw against Canada. However, that was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Austria, a humiliating 5-0 loss to Belgium, and finally the 5-1 demolition at the hands of Sweden. Over his five games in charge, Tunisia managed just one draw and suffered four defeats.

The team’s performances lacked cohesion and defensive solidity, prompting the Tunisian federation to act swiftly after the Sweden match. Former international player Wahbi Kazri, who has been part of the coaching staff, is expected to step in as interim manager for the remainder of the tournament.

Tunisia still has a crucial Group stage match against Japan on June 21, 2026. The federation hopes a change in leadership can inspire a turnaround, but the path to advancement looks steep. The Carthage Eagles must now pick themselves up quickly if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Bayer Leverkusen has officially announced a contract extension for promising midfielder Francis Onyeka, securing his future with the club until 2032. The new deal was finalized just before the 19-year-old embarks on a season-long loan to newly promoted Bundesliga side SV 07 Elversberg.

Onyeka made a significant impact during his previous loan spell at VfL Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga, where he emerged as one of the league’s standout performers. The attacking midfielder tallied eight goals and one assist in 30 appearances, showcasing his creativity and goal-scoring ability.

His impressive performances attracted interest from multiple German clubs, but Elversberg won the race for his services as they look to strengthen their squad for survival in the top flight.

Speaking about the contract extension, Onyeka expressed his gratitude and motivation: “The contract extension at Bayer 04 is a great honour for me and, at the same time, further motivation. I’m looking forward to the challenge at Elversberg and to proving myself week in, week out in the Bundesliga.”

The Nigerian-born midfielder reiterated his ambition to eventually break into Leverkusen’s first team, stating that playing for the club has always been a childhood dream.

Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos has spoken candidly about his position as a substitute behind Cristiano Ronaldo, expressing his desire to be in the starting lineup for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a recent interview on the watch.tm podcast alongside teammate Nuno Mendes, the 24-year-old PSG forward acknowledged the challenge of competing with Ronaldo for the central striker role.

Ramos, who has mostly featured off the bench for Portugal, emphasized the need for patience. ‘Obviously, I’d like to start every game. But when you see your teammates performing well, you have to respect that and wait for your chance,’ he said. His comments come as he reflects on his limited opportunities under coach Roberto Martinez.

The forward had a breakout moment at the 2022 World Cup, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland in the Round of 16 after replacing Ronaldo. However, since then, he has returned to a backup role. During the 2025-26 season with Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos made 45 appearances but started only 15 times, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists.

Internationally, Ramos has 10 goals and three assists in 25 caps, with only 10 starts. As Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer with 143 international goals, prepares for another World Cup, Ramos remains ready to step up when called upon. His message to Martinez is clear: he is eager to prove himself from the start.

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has publicly apologized to German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann after making a remark that stirred controversy just before the World Cup. While working as a pundit on Magenta TV alongside ex-Germany international Thomas Müller, Klopp said, “Fortunately, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team.” The use of the word “still” suggested a hint of doubt about Nagelsmann’s tenure.

Following Germany’s dominant 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curacao on June 14, Klopp recognized his mistake. He admitted, “I’ve already identified the most despised word of the year: ‘still.’ I could have slapped myself for saying it, but it was too late since I was live on air. It slipped out effortlessly and means nothing.”

Klopp, who turns 59 on Tuesday, added with self-deprecating humor, “What I’ve realized is that I am still an idiot despite my age.” He then reaffirmed his full support for Nagelsmann, stating, “We are completely behind you, no matter what you decide. Nothing will arise that is meant to disrupt the process here.”

Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp has been serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football, though speculation continues about him potentially replacing Nagelsmann. However, his apology underscores his respect for the current Germany boss and his desire to avoid any distractions during the World Cup campaign.

Galatasaray, the reigning Turkish Süper Lig champions, are reportedly setting their sights on Nicolo Tresoldi, a young center-forward currently with Club Brugge. The Belgian side is said to be demanding a fee of €40 million for the talented striker, who holds dual nationality for Germany and Italy.

According to Turkish media sources, including Alanya Postası, the Istanbul-based club is actively seeking to bolster their attacking lineup amid ongoing speculation about Victor Osimhen’s future with the team. While Osimhen remains a key asset, the management appears to be preparing for all possibilities by exploring alternative options.

Club president Dursun Özbek and manager Okan Buruk have consistently maintained that Osimhen is not for sale, despite significant interest from top European clubs such as Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea. However, Osimhen’s recent withdrawal from Nigeria’s squad for friendlies against Poland and Portugal has only fueled further uncertainty about his long-term commitment.

Tresoldi, who was born in Cagliari, has been in impressive form during the 2025-2026 season. Over 58 appearances across all competitions for Club Brugge, he has contributed 23 goals and 9 assists. The 21-year-old is provisionally tied to the Italian national team, having featured for their U19 and U21 sides in competitive fixtures, though he remains eligible to represent Germany at the senior level.

As Galatasaray looks ahead to next season, the potential addition of Tresoldi would provide a dynamic and younger option up front, should Osimhen’s exit materialize. For now, the club continues to monitor the situation closely.

Wikki Tourists have received a significant morale booster as they prepare for their President Federation Cup semi-final match against El-Kanemi Warriors. Striker Abdullahi Usman has made a return to training after a brief period on the sidelines due to an injury. The forward was back on the pitch at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, joining his teammates in their preparations for the eagerly awaited contest.

Usman’s recovery comes at a crucial time, giving head coach Evans Ogenyi an additional attacking option for the upcoming fixture. The team is set to face El-Kanemi Warriors at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Wednesday. In the other semi-final, Ikorodu City will take on Nasarawa United.

The management of Kano Pillars Football Club has officially announced the exit of eight squad members following the conclusion of their contracts at the end of the 2025/2026 campaign. The news was shared on Monday via the club’s Media and Communications Department.

Those leaving the Sai Masu Gida family include Muhammad Galadima, Ugochukwu Gabriel, Zahraddeen Bello, Williams Ayuba, Bernard Ovoke, Christian Izuchukwu, Sudais Ali Baba, and Aliyu Yakubu. The club acknowledged their dedication and professionalism throughout their tenure.

In a formal statement, Kano Pillars expressed gratitude for the players’ efforts and emphasized that their contributions will always be remembered. The club said: “We wish to announce that the contracts of the following players have officially expired at the conclusion of the 2025/2026 football season. We appreciate their commitment and the value they brought to the team.”

The statement further highlighted that the players represented the club admirably in domestic competitions and that their services were invaluable. The club also extended best wishes for their future careers, noting that they remain part of the Kano Pillars legacy. “On behalf of the management, technical crew, staff, and supporters, we extend heartfelt gratitude and wish them success in their next chapters,” the statement concluded.

The 2026 World Cup has witnessed its first managerial casualty as Tunisia’s Sabri Lamouchi was relieved of his duties following a crushing 5-1 loss to Sweden in the group stage. The Carthage Eagles’ dismal performance in their opening match prompted the Tunisian Football Federation to take swift action.

Lamouchi becomes the first coach to be dismissed during this tournament. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the decision was made just days after the heavy defeat, with plans already underway for a replacement.

Mondher Kebaier has been appointed as the interim head coach, as confirmed by the federation. Kebaier, who previously managed the team, will take charge for the remainder of Tunisia’s World Cup campaign. The federation is reportedly working on a longer-term solution but will rely on Kebaier’s experience to stabilize the squad.

The 5-1 thrashing by Sweden exposed deep defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion, leading to widespread criticism. Lamouchi’s departure marks a turbulent start for Tunisia, who now face an uphill battle to advance from their group.