Category: Entertainment

Pedro Neto has expressed his delight with Portugal’s performance following their 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria, stating the team is well-prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday evening.

Neto opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a fine strike, marking his first goal in four months for both club and country. The Chelsea winger’s effort was equalized by Sevilla striker Akor Adams in the 37th minute. Substitute Francisco Conceicao netted the winner 15 minutes from time.

Reflecting on the win and the earlier match against Chile, Neto commented: “These games help us assimilate ideas. Some players were missing during the Mexico training camp, and we hadn’t been together for a long time. But we will be ready.”

The friendly served as a crucial preparatory fixture for Portugal ahead of the World Cup. Neto’s positive outlook underscores the squad’s confidence as they fine-tune their strategies for the global tournament.

Renowned journalist and ex-presidential spokesperson Reuben Abati has called on Nigerians to back Mexico when they face South Africa in the World Cup opener, linking his plea to the persistent xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Abati highlighted the federal government’s ongoing evacuation of Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence. He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed arrangements for the return of those who registered, with an initial group of 278 individuals expected to be repatriated.

Abati emphasized that the government pledged to assist and rehabilitate five batches of returnees, with over 1,000 Nigerians expressing interest in coming back. He argued that this situation should prompt a deeper reflection on Nigeria’s domestic conditions, stating that if basic amenities like electricity, water, and healthcare were readily available, fewer citizens would seek opportunities abroad.

Shifting focus to football, Abati encouraged Nigerians to support Mexico in their opening match against South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. He humorously warned that backing South Africa might provoke accusations that Nigerians are encroaching on local opportunities, potentially sparking further xenophobic incidents.

“The foreign affairs spokesman confirmed that all preparations are complete for the return of Nigerians who signed up due to xenophobic attacks. The first 278 will be assisted and rehabilitated by the government,” Abati stated. “We’ve been assured of five batches, with over 1,000 Nigerians willing to come home. This teaches us that a well-organized nation would eliminate the need for citizens to seek basic services elsewhere.”

He added, “Today, South Africa and Mexico meet at the Azteca Stadium. I urge all Nigerians to support Mexico, so South Africans don’t claim, ‘These Nigerians are at it again, doing our jobs for us,’ leading to more xenophobic attacks. It’s safer to cheer Mexico in this World Cup opener. The match is at 1 PM local time, 7 PM this evening, and I expect Nigerians to back Mexico. They say we dislike them and steal their jobs. Let’s not do their work for them—support Mexico.”

In an unexpected turn of events, former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly on the verge of taking the helm at Premier League side Fulham. The 43-year-old, who previously managed the Spanish giants, has been identified as the top candidate to succeed Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.

Silva recently departed Fulham to assume the managerial role at Benfica, replacing Jose Mourinho, who is himself poised to return to Real Madrid. This domino effect has created an opening for Arbeloa, who stepped into the Real Madrid hot seat after Xabi Alonso was dismissed in January. Alonso now manages Chelsea.

According to The Athletic, talks between Arbeloa and Fulham have already taken place. The former defender, who had a distinguished playing career with Real Madrid, Liverpool, and West Ham United, is now being lined up for his first Premier League managerial challenge. Fulham are keen to finalize the appointment quickly as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, have maintained their 26th position globally in the most recent FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday. Despite playing several international friendlies, the team’s spot remains unchanged, according to the official standings.

Under the guidance of coach Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles participated in the Unity Cup invitational tournament in London last month. They secured a 2-0 win against Zimbabwe and a 3-0 victory over Jamaica. However, their performance in June included a 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw and a 2-1 loss to Portugal in Leiria.

On the African continent, Nigeria continues to hold third place, trailing behind Morocco and Senegal. Algeria and Egypt round out the top five African teams. Globally, the top five positions remain stable, with Argentina leading, followed by Spain, France, England, and Portugal.

The next FIFA rankings update is scheduled for release on Monday, July 20.

John Terry, the legendary Chelsea defender, has shed light on why John Obi Mikel is deeply frustrated about Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. According to Terry, the former Super Eagles captain is not just disappointed for his country but also because it limits his opportunities as a commentator.

Speaking during a SuperSport virtual media roundtable, Terry emphasized that Nigeria’s absence from the tournament is a significant loss. He expressed a strong desire to see the Super Eagles compete, highlighting the abundance of talented players in the squad.

Terry noted, ‘Nigeria will be hugely missed. It would have been fantastic to see a top team like them at the World Cup because they boast exceptional individuals.’ He then added, ‘I know Obi is really upset that they’re not there. It means he can’t do more commentating on the World Cup. That’s the real reason for his disappointment.’

The 2026 World Cup kicks off today, and Nigeria is notably absent after failing to secure a spot in the tournament. This marks another disappointing chapter for Nigerian football fans, who had hoped to see their team on the global stage.

Following Portugal’s 2-1 triumph over Nigeria in an international friendly on Wednesday night, the demand for Cristiano Ronaldo’s match jersey was high. However, it was Super Eagles defender Bruno Onyemaechi who emerged as the lucky recipient of the iconic shirt.

Onyemaechi proudly showcased Ronaldo’s jersey on his social media accounts shortly after the game concluded.

Ronaldo himself shared a photo with the Nigerian right-back on Instagram, writing: “The preparation is done. Eyes on the World Cup.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was the focal point of attention from Nigerian players and coaching staff, who eagerly sought photos with him at the final whistle.

Ronaldo featured for 64 minutes and squandered a few opportunities to find the net against the Eagles.

Former England striker Michael Owen has voiced his predictions for the upcoming World Cup, singling out France as the team to beat. Despite Spain being the bookmakers’ favorite, Owen believes the French squad is head and shoulders above the competition.

Having participated in three World Cups himself, Owen feels that Les Bleus possess a depth and quality that sets them apart. He expects England, his former national team, to advance no further than the quarterfinals or semifinals at best.

In his conversation with Metro, Owen also suggested that Germany could emerge as dark horses in the tournament. He stated, ‘I think England will be a quarter-final or a semi-final at best would be my guess, but I have a sneaky feeling that Germany could do well.

‘I think they could do well. So France would be my pick, England to get to the quarters or semis and Germany to be the dark horses.‘ The tournament kicks off on Thursday night, and fans are eager to see if Owen’s predictions hold true.

Good news for the Super Falcons as striker Esther Okoronkwo has resumed full training after recovering from a hamstring injury. The setback, which occurred during AFC Toronto’s match against Halifax last month, kept her sidelined for five consecutive league games.

Okoronkwo also missed Nigeria’s international friendlies against Senegal, but her return is timely ahead of the WAFCON 2026 tournament. The 29-year-old forward is now set to feature in AFC Toronto’s upcoming clash against Montreal Roses at York Lions Stadium this Saturday.

Her comeback is a significant boost for the team, especially considering her instrumental role in AFC Toronto’s league title triumph last season. With her fitness restored, she adds depth to the Super Falcons’ attacking options as they prepare to defend their African crown.

In a surprising twist ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has shifted his allegiance from France to Spain as his top pick for the tournament. The competition kicks off today, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube show ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents,’ initially outlined a detailed strategy for France’s success. He emphasized the importance of deploying Kylian Mbappe on the left wing and Ousmane Dembele as a pressing forward, suggesting their synergy under Didier Deschamps could lead to victory. He also highlighted Desired Doue and Michael Olise as key playmakers, confidently stating, ‘Game over.’

However, when pressed for a final prediction, Ferdinand changed his tune. He cited the formidable trio of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Rodri as the reason Spain could be unbeatable if fit. ‘A fit Lamine Yamal, a fit Nico Williams and a fit Rodri… Spain takes some beating,’ he remarked, adding, ‘I have been saying France every day until today.’

When asked what prompted his decision to switch his prediction, Ferdinand simply replied, ‘I don’t know, I just thought if those boys are fit, then they go and win it.’ His comments have sparked debate among football fans eagerly awaiting the World Cup’s start.

Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, widely recognized as Davido, used his platform at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles on Wednesday night to bring international attention to the abduction of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. Donning a custom jacket emblazoned with the names of the abducted individuals and the phrase ‘Bring Them Home’ on the back, the ‘OBO’ hitmaker performed his popular track ‘Fall’ while repeatedly showcasing the garment to emphasize the urgency of the situation.

This public appeal is not an isolated incident for Davido, who had previously taken to social media to urge authorities to expedite the rescue of the victims and to condemn the persistent insecurity plaguing the nation. His call for immediate action resonated with the global audience at the concert, amplifying the plight of the captives.

In related developments, Grammy-award winner Burna Boy is set to perform at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City alongside Shakira, marking a historic moment for Nigerian representation at the event. Burna Boy collaborated with Shakira on the official World Cup anthem ‘Dia Dia’ and will debut the live performance during the ceremony. Additionally, fellow Nigerian artist Rema is scheduled to perform at the US opening ceremony in Los Angeles, sharing the stage with international pop acts including Lisa.