Football Event & News Update

The night 'ruthless' Ngumoha came of age for Liverpool

2026-10-21T03:58:23.785-07:00

In a game of seven goals, none were scored by Rio Ngumoha - but this was his night.

The 18-year-old was simply a class apart from the rest in Liverpool's 4-3 win over Villarreal.

It is over a year since Ngumoha burst on to the scene for Liverpool with a memorable stoppage-time winner at Newcastle.

He has been in and out since then, impressing in flashes and even going on to make his England debut earlier this season.

But this performance was different, inspiring his team to a memorable comeback win in the Champions League.

By the time the teenager was replaced in the 74th minute, with Bradley Barcola taking over, the chants of "Rio, Rio, Rio" had repeatedly rung around Anfield.

Come the final whistle, Rio by Duran Duran was played over the tannoy and it was quite the sight to see Alisson embrace Ngumoha shortly after the young man was given Uefa's player of the match award.

"It's up there with one of the best [games] I've played. I enjoyed myself out there and the team helped me a lot," Ngumoha told Amazon Prime.

"Whenever I get the ball and there's an opportunity to go one versus one, or two versus one, I believe in myself to do it. I'll just keep going and be ruthless."

Liverpool were woeful for much of the first half as they trailed Villarreal by two goals, but Ngumoha took responsibility and began to turn the tide.

After Alexis Mac Allister pulled one back, Ngumoha found space to dink in a delightful ball that was met by Ronald Araujo for an equaliser.

Ater the break, Ngumoha - as he had done all evening - waltzed past Sergi Cardona and then held off Juan Foyth to set up Mac Allister to give Liverpool the lead.

Florian Wirtz added what proved to be a vital fourth.

UCL: Ancelotti Challenges Lille To Silence Osimhen

2026-10-21T03:54:44.960-07:00

Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has admitted that his side must work together to stop Victor Osimhen when they face Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.

Lille will welcome the Turkish Super Lig champions to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday night, with the Nigerian striker expected to spearhead the visitors’ attack.

Osimhen, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading forwards, poses a significant threat to Lille, and Ancelotti believes his team must be united defensively to limit his influence.

Ancelotti Wary Of Osimhen

The Italian emphasised that containing the former Napoli striker would require a collective approach.

“We stop him with a collective effort. It doesn’t depend on one player; it always depends on the collective,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

Ronaldo scores after match delayed by missile alert

2026-10-13T05:34:21.637-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al-Nassr won an AFC Champions League match which was delayed by an hour because of a missile alert.

Ronaldo scored Al-Nassr's second goal as the Saudi Pro League champions beat Uzbekistan's Neftchi Fergana 3-1 on Monday.

Kick-off was delayed after Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued a safety warning just 15 minutes before the scheduled start time in Riyadh, the capital city which has been the target of missiles fired from Yemen-based Houthis.

Following attacks on Riyadh's airport, explosions were heard in the capital on Monday night. The Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed.

Future sporting events could be affected by the regional conflict, including Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Once Al-Nassr were able to get under way, Ange Postecoglou's team went ahead through Angelo in the 33rd minute and Ronaldo doubled their lead before half-time.

Uzbekistan champions Neftchi pulled a goal back, but they were reduced to 10 men after 65 minutes and an own goal 13 minutes later sealed a first Group B victory for the hosts.

Ronaldo also scored on Friday when making his return to club football, having left the Portugal national team camp halfway through the Nations League break out of frustration at limited playing opportunities.

2028 Olympics Qualifier: Kanu Eyes Another Victory Against Comoros

2026-10-13T03:08:31.776-07:00

Uchenna Kanu has declared that the Super Falcons are determined to secure a second victory over Comoros in their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign,

The Super Falcons head into the second leg of their second-round qualifying tie with a 2-0 advantage following their victory in the first leg.

Defender Michelle Alozie and Kanu were on target for the 10-time African champions, putting the Super Falcons in a strong position ahead of the return fixture.

Kanu Confident Super Falcons Can Beat Comoros Again

Speaking to the media, Kanu stressed that the team’s objective is to record another win and score as many goals as possible against their opponents.

“Playing on a big stage like the Olympics is huge for me personally. We have a goal not just to make it to the Olympics, but also to look at the trophy,” Kanu said.

Afenifere faction demands N400 petrol, minimum wage hike

2026-10-12T02:46:33.510-07:00

A faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, led by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has called for an immediate reduction in petrol prices to between N350 and N400 per litre to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians.

The group described the government’s proposed petrol price stabilisation mechanism, which would keep the price at not more than N1,350 per litre, as falling far short of public expectations.

The demand comes days after the Federal Government announced plans to negotiate a N1,350-per-litre ceiling on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol under a proposed price modulation mechanism aimed at stabilising prices.

The Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, had said the arrangement would help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.

Afenifere made the demand in a communiqué issued on Sunday after its monthly National Executive Committee meeting held in Lagos at the weekend.

The communiqué was signed by Afenifere National Leader, Olaitan, and its newly appointed substantive Secretary-General, Alade Rotimi-John.

The communiqué partly read, “The meeting observed the announcement by government through its Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy respecting a putative price modulation mechanism for ensuring petrol price stabilisation at not more than N1,350 as a far cry from the expectation of the people.

Iheanacho Earns Praise For His Impact At Bursaspor

2026-10-12T02:42:03.308-07:00

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er has praised Kelechi Iheanacho for his impressive performances since joining the Turkish club.

The Nigeria international joined the Green Crocodiles on a free transfer in the summer and has quickly established himself as a key figure in their promotion push.

The 30-year-old striker has made an outstanding start to life at Bursaspor, recording 12 goals and two assists in just nine league appearances.

Er Hails Iheanacho’s Impact

Er expressed satisfaction with Iheanacho’s contribution, noting that the club worked hard to secure the striker’s signature and expects him to deliver goals.

“We transferred Iheanacho so that he would score goals. We worked very hard for that transfer. We also need to thank our management,” Er said, according to the club’s official website.

Super Eagles Review: Talking Points From AFCON Qualifiers And Russia Friendly

2026-10-12T02:39:58.519-07:00

The Super Eagles were back in action during the international window, with plenty to talk about from their 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the entertaining 3-3 friendly draw with Russia.
In this video, we review Nigeria’s performances across the three matches, highlighting the positives, areas of concern and key talking points from the team.

UK varsities withdraw admission offers to Nigerians

2026-10-11T03:37:03.377-07:00

Some United Kingdom universities have withdrawn the admissions of Nigerian students due to an ongoing visa crackdown by the British government impacting international applicants.

The universities revoked admissions given mostly to Nigerian and Pakistani applicants in the first half of 2026, driven by tightening rules from the Home Office regarding visas for international students.

According to a Financial Times report on Saturday, a study showed that 10.5 per cent of study visa applications to the UK ended up being withdrawn, up from 2.3 per cent in the same period last year and 0.4 per cent in 2023.

“Universities are revoking offers en masse made to international applicants from countries including Nigeria and Pakistan as they fear the UK government’s visa crackdown will result in a ban on their recruiting international students,” the report stated.

The Financial Times noted that the institutions clarified they revoked admissions in reaction to a doubling in the number of study visas refused by the Home Office during the first six months of 2026.

Osayi-Samuel Named Man Of The Match In Birmingham’s Win At West Brom

2026-10-11T03:32:59.801-07:00

Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel was named Man of the Match, as Birmingham City beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Hawthorns in Saturday’s Championship fixture.

Osayi-Samuel made his ninth appearance in the English second division as a 41st minute penalty converted by August Priske sealed the win for Birmingham.

The 28-year-old Super Eagles star, who featured for 90 minutes, played a pivotal role in the win with six defensive contributions, three clearances and 11 recoveries.

His impressive display made sure Birmingham picked up their fourth away win in the English second-tier and place them in seventh position on 14 points, six adrift of leaders Swansea City.

It was not the best of outings for Osayi-Samuel during the international break, after putting in a poor performance in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 loss away to Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 African Cup of Nations.

The result leaves the Super Eagles in second place behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have won their opening two matches.

Osayi-Samuel was born in Okija, Nigeria, then moved with his family to Spain before emigrating to England when he was ten years old, settling in Woolwich, London.

He was a youth academy graduate of Blackpool. He made his professional debut on 7 March 2015 in a 0–1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday and on 10 December 2016, he scored his first professional goal against Stevenage in a 2–0 away win.

By the end of his career with the team, he had scored four goals in 64 league games, and five goals in 79 games, in all competitions.

After spending four seasons at Fenerbahce, he joined Birmingham City in the summer of 2025 after signing a three-year deal.

France's school protests: What lies behind the anger

2026-10-08T06:24:56.776-07:00

Since late September students across France have been holding protests against underfunding in education, and have been blocking access to many high schools.

The movement has turned violent in places – hundreds of students, teachers and police officers have been injured. Thousands of people – including an unknown number of outside troublemakers – have been arrested.

The protesters are complaining about staff shortages and dilapidated facilities in the country's lycées, schools which are attended by 15-18-year-olds.

"Sometimes our teachers are absent for several weeks without being replaced," Madalena, a Paris student, told the BBC on Tuesday as demonstrations brought out hundreds of thousands across France. Her school buildings, she added, were "boiling hot" during the recent heat waves.

There is a variety of other complaints. Some resent the banning of mobile phones or school days that last until 18:00. "You get home at 19:00, and have no time to sleep or do your homework," one lycéen told France 2.

France's online platform that allocates places in higher education, Parcoursup, is another sore point.

The frustration has deep roots. About 80% of each cohort now passes the baccalauréat, which entitles students to a university place - though not necessarily their preferred choice. This leads to a scramble for desirable courses, and an anxiety focused on Parcoursup, which many regard as opaque.

Those grievances are real. But do they by themselves explain the form the protest movement has taken? How does France compare with other countries?

According to a recent report by the OECD, a club of developed nations, the French government spends more per lycée student than the EU average for upper-secondary schools.

Teacher shortages are indeed acute, but no worse than elsewhere. By OECD measures they are actually milder – fewer posts go unfilled – although French teachers receive relatively low pay.

Schooldays that stretch into the late afternoon are indeed a problem for French pupils. This is the result mostly of long lunch breaks and complex schedules rather than making up for holidays, which are not especially long compared with other EU countries.

The extended day has always been a sad fact of French school life and can hardly account for the present eruption. Neither can pressure created by a dysfunctional higher-education system.

In most European countries, 80-90% of young people complete secondary education, and competition for good university places creates stress elsewhere too.

And while underfunding, dilapidated buildings and fears about the future are behind the students' discontent, those complaints do not by themselves explain why the movement has become "unprecedented" in terms of the number of schools, pupils and the degree of violence involved, in the words of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

NYSC kidnap: 20 victims freed, police hunt abductors

2026-10-08T02:17:36.596-07:00

The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to the orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom.

They were freed seven days after they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The details of the rescue operation were unavailable, but the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims had been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention.

The hostages were reportedly rescued by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force, Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

The victims were rescued at about 4:28 pm on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, after sustained and coordinated search-and-rescue operations by the security agencies.

However, there was no information on the arrest of the perpetrators, who are at large.

The police statement read, “Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members who were abducted in Imo State on 1st October, 2026.

‘’Following their safe recovery, the victims have been taken for medical examination and necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.”

Iniedu further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the masterminds of the abduction, adding that the police and other security agencies had intensified operations to bring them to justice.

“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and the prompt response to threats to public safety,” the statement added.

The police said further updates would be communicated.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, confirmed the release of the captives, saying, “The kidnapped graduates have been released. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirmed this in a telephone conversation at about 5.00 pm today (Wednesday).”

He stated this in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan.

A parent to one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said, “We cannot say anything for now. We are extremely overwhelmed. We received the news with happiness. I cannot say anything for now, please. We are truly happy. Let’s see them first or speak with them on the telephone.”

Galatasaray Provide Osimhen Injury Update Ahead Of Kasımpaşa Clash

2026-10-08T02:10:21.105-07:00

Galatasaray club doctor Yener İnce has provided an update on Victor Osimhen’s fitness ahead of the team’s Turkish Super Lig clash with Kasımpaşa.

Osimhen has missed Galatasaray’s last three matches across all competitions after suffering an injury during the club’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir last month

The injury also ruled the Nigeria international out of the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Galatasaray will host Kasımpaşa at RAMS Park on Friday, with Osimhen hoping to make his return after recovering from the injury.

İnce Provides Fitness Update on Osimhen

However, İnce stopped short of confirming that the striker will be fit to feature against Kasımpaşa.

“His treatment is also going very well. But we need to say this about him: there was a very large hematoma in a muscle group that the doctors call Grade 2. He had serious bleeding. His injury is not something to be taken lightly,” İnce said on Galatasaray YouTube channel.

“With the help of our radiologist colleagues at our sponsor hospital, we drained the hematoma using a different method. After the hematoma was drained, he felt much better. His treatment is ongoing.

Obi makes U-turn, vows to return subsidy if elected

2026-10-07T04:33:45.766-07:00

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027, reversing the impression created by earlier comments that his administration would only seek to reform the scheme.

Obi made the promise on Tuesday during an interview with the BBC, where he argued that the major problem with the subsidy regime was the corruption surrounding its implementation.

In his 2023 presidential campaign, the former Anambra State governor vowed to remove the fuel subsidy, stating that the funds should instead be redirected toward critical national development sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.

His sudden U-turn also came about two weeks after his running mate, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, backed the idea of reintroducing subsidy in a different form if the opposition party wins the 2027 presidential election.

President Bola Tinubu had declared: “fuel subsidy is gone” during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, saying the funds previously spent on subsidy would instead be channelled into infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation.

The policy immediately became one of the most contentious economic decisions of the administration, with opposition figures, including Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, criticising aspects of the implementation while the Presidency maintained that subsidy removal was necessary to protect the economy.

Speaking on his position on the subsidy regime, Obi said, “From day one, I’ve talked about subsidy. I talked about corruption; corruption is the problem of subsidy.”

Asked specifically whether he would bring back the subsidy regime if elected, the NDC candidate answered in the affirmative but said his administration would first eliminate the corruption associated with the policy.

“Yes. But remember, I have qualified it, not with the corruption that’s associated with it. I’ll remove the corruption and retain the subsidy.”

Obi also explained how he intended to tackle corruption in government, arguing that the conduct of the President and members of his immediate family would be central to his anti-corruption strategy.

“If you are not stealing, if you are not involved, your wife and family are not involved, you reduce it by 50 per cent,” the presidential candidate said.

His latest position is coming after Kwankwaso had said in September that an Obi-led NDC administration would reintroduce subsidy “in our own way.”

Messi bows out with goal, two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0

2026-10-07T04:29:25.816-07:00

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina international career with a goal and two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.

The match, played on October 6, marked Messi’s final appearance for Argentina after a 21-year international career.

Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr was in charge of Benin for the farewell fixture.

According to Inter Miami, Messi provided the assist for Nicolás Otamendi’s opener from a corner in the 48th minute before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute.

Messi then converted a penalty in the 71st minute to complete the 3-0 victory.

Inter Miami reported the match in a report published on October 6, 2026, saying Messi had been “directly involved in each of Argentina’s goals.”

The club described it as Messi’s “final international appearance” and said he finished the night with “a goal and a pair of assists.”

Reuters reported the match at 02:21 UTC on October 7, 2026, saying Messi had brought the curtain down on his international career in front of more than 85,000 spectators.

Speaking after the game, Messi said, according to Reuters: “It’s hard to talk.”

Ronaldo wants Portugal 'punishment' but not retiring

2026-10-07T04:24:58.747-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is not retiring from international football but deserves to be punished for walking out on Portugal after head coach Jorge Jesus twice "broke his word".

The 41-year-old captain left his country's Nations League camp last week after being an unused substitute against Norway and then finding out he would not start against Denmark.

Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances - both world records - helping them win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice.

In a lengthy statement, external, which ran to nearly 2,000 words, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player said he should be held accountable for his actions.

But he accused Jesus of an "absolute breach of trust" for firstly not playing him against Norway after saying he would, before going back on a decision to present an agreed version of events to the media.

"The Portuguese Football Federation must assess the consequences of my actions and punish me for them. I believe the punishment should not be reduced," Ronaldo said.

"I have already apologised, but I know that actions have consequences."

Ronaldo's statement comes after Portugal head coach Jesus said there was no rift with the captain, following claims the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had refused to train.

Jesus said on Sunday that the door was still open for Ronaldo to play for the country's national team.

Ronaldo said that, provided he was "physically fit, playing with my team, and hopefully scoring goals", he would like to continue to play international football.

"After my suspension period ends, I will be available, as I always have been, to compete and win with our national team," he added.

BBC Sport has approached the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for comment.

Arteta signs new contract with champions Arsenal

2026-10-07T04:21:18.587-07:00

Mikel Arteta says this is "only the beginning" of Arsenal's success after signing a new contract with Premier League champions until 2030.

BBC Sport reported earlier this month that an agreement had been made on an improved new contract.

The Spaniard's deal was set to expire at the end of this season, with his time in charge of the Gunners now possibly stretching to a decade following his arrival in December 2019.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is reportedly paid over £20m per year, as was former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola - both of whom Arteta benchmarked his worth against.

The new contract includes an increase from his current salary of £10m per year plus an additional £5m in bonuses.

"This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue," Arteta said.

"We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together."

The 44-year-old has won a Premier League and FA Cup in charge of Arsenal, losing the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain in May.

Arteta wants to build a dynasty - analysis

News of Arteta's new deal at Arsenal won't come as a shock.

The fact his previous deal expired at the end of the season did put a slightly greater emphasis on the speed of discussions than normal.

But Arteta has been transparent about his desire to stay at the club beyond the end of this campaign.

Dynasty building is what has driven Arteta's decision. Winning Arsenal's first Premier League title in 20 years last season is viewed as just the start.

Coming within a penalty kick of winning their first Champions League trophy came as a gut-wrenching blow - but also a huge motivation.

"We share a special bond with Mikel. We are so proud of everything we have achieved since he returned to the club in 2019," co-chairmen Stan and Josh Kroenke said.

"He has a deep understanding of Arsenal's values and carries them in his heart. He knows what this club means to everyone connected to it and is committed to building on everything we have achieved together."

With that in mind, there was never a sense Arteta was preparing to walk away from the team he has built to become one of the best in European football.

So with a deal for their manager to stay now agreed, the foundation of Arsenal's recent revitalisation into a footballing force remains in place.

Does more history beckon? Arteta is committed to finding out.

Bonfrere Returns To Nigeria On Private Visit, Set To Attend Ebonyi Event

2026-10-07T04:07:22.273-07:00

Former Nigeria U-23 coach, Jo Bonfrere, has returned to Nigeria on a private visit, with the Dutchman expected to attend the official opening of High Chief Solomon Agueze Ejeh’s ultra-modern country home in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State,

The 80-year-old Bonfrere, who guided Nigeria’s U-23 men’s national team to a historic gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, 4 October 2026.

Owner, businessman & player: Messi has big plans as a golden era ends

2026-10-06T05:09:24.547-07:00

Lionel Messi is about to play his last match for Argentina.

On what will be his 208th appearance, the country's most-capped player and record goalscorer will bid an emotional farewell in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday (Wednesday 00:00 BST).

Arguably Argentina's greatest ever player - only Diego Maradona comes close - announced his retirement from the national team on 31 August, six weeks after the World Cup final defeat by Spain, saying he had nothing more to give.

Coach Lionel Scaloni insists that if Messi ever wants to carry on, he can, and there is no embarrassment in changing one's mind. But that chapter seems closed.

His club career though goes on. The contract with Inter Miami runs to the end of the 2028 season, but it is reviewed year by year, and nobody close to him expects him to walk away a day before he has to.

In fact, it is quite likely he will renew it if he feels, mentally and physically, up for it.

Ask the people around him what comes after that and they smile, because Messi has never really planned beyond his next game.

Even so, the shape of what lies ahead is already in front of us. He will stay inside football, because he would struggle to live without it, but his other business interests stretch far outside the game.

An owner who wants to be involved in everything

Messi used to like the idea of being a sporting director or an adviser to the president, close to the decisions without all the travelling and the phone calls.

And asked recently whether he would rather be a coach or an owner, Messi chose owner.

A coach lives and dies by every Saturday and has to worry about far too many things for Messi's liking.

An owner shapes the direction of a club from a little further back. Having said that, he would be an owner who does not stop at approving the appointment of a manager and stepping away. He would want to be involved in everything.

The groundwork is being laid in Spain. UE Cornella, on the edge of Barcelona and in the fifth tier, is the nursery where young players grow. He bought it in April.

CD Eldense, in the second division, announced Messi as its new owner on 1 October, subject to authorisation from the Spanish sports council, the CSD.

Eldense will be the club that leads his football operation, but the target this season is not to get relegated, so former Villarreal boss Javi Calleja got the job with the arrival of the new owner.

The plan is to run both through people he trusts, who will act as a link between Messi and the clubs until the day he can give them his full attention.

For now he follows every Eldense match closely on his computer. After Eldense beat Real Oviedo by four goals to one, his first message as owner was an Instagram post that read "Aupa Deportivo".

The pull of his name has been felt as well. Around a dozen sponsors came forward within a couple of days, some of them brands that had been talking to the previous owners without ever closing a deal, and some that already have a relationship with him.

In Uruguay he and Luis Suarez founded Deportivo LSM in May 2025, and they won promotion to the country's third tier in its first season.

A network of more clubs was discussed at the start. But the sums needed to lift them up the divisions have cooled that idea quickly, and it is not on the table today. Messi's focus is to see whether Eldense can establish itself in La Liga.

There is a link to Miami as well. As part of his contract with Inter Miami, he will have some shares in the club when he retires. A franchise of his own is not part of the plan.

Could he go home to Newell's Old Boys, the club where he played as a child in Rosario? The idea has never been formally discussed.

It may have crossed his mind while drinking mate with Suarez, in the way a return to Barcelona or a spell at Napoli, the club of Maradona, might have.

Nobody close to the player expects it though. Everything is built around Europe and Miami, and the perfect home is waiting for the family in Castelldefels, close to the sea and Barcelona.

Petrol, diesel prices rise 86% in eight months – Report

2026-10-06T05:08:57.930-07:00

The average prices of petrol and diesel have risen by 86 per cent in 2026, with the two products reaching their highest average price levels for the year by September 22, according to the latest fuel price trend report by priceandpromo.

The report stated that the average price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,378 per litre by September 22, while automotive gas oil, commonly known as diesel, increased to N1,899/litre.

It puts the increase in the price of petrol at 80.8 per cent from the January 13 base, while diesel recorded a 91.8 per cent rise over the same period. The average increase of the two products is 86.3 per cent, which rounds to 86 per cent.

The report stated, “The latest priceandpromo fuel price trend shows renewed upward movement following the relative stability observed between April and July.

“Petrol rose to an average of N1,378 per litre by 22 September, while diesel increased to an average N1,899 per litre, the highest average price levels recorded for both products in the displayed 2026 series.”

FULL LIST: NAF names 25 victims of Ondo aircraft crash

2026-10-06T05:03:36.219-07:00

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of all 25 people on board an NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

The NAF, in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.

The statement said, “NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.”

2028 Olympics Qualifier: Omenazu Earns First Super Falcons Call-Up For Comoros Clash

2026-10-06T04:53:32.548-07:00

MK Dons Women captain Favour Omenazu has received a late invitation to join the Super Falcons squad for Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifying double-header against Comoros.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen called up the versatile midfielder following the withdrawal of some of the players initially invited for the second-round qualifying fixture.

The call-up marks the first time the 24-year-old has been selected to represent the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was eligible to play for both England and Nigeria but has opted to represent the 10-time African champions at international level.

MK Dons Congratulate Omenazu

MK Dons have congratulated their women’s captain on earning her maiden international call-up.

“We are all incredibly proud of #MKDonsWomen’s captain, Favour Omenazu, who has received her first international call-up to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons,” the club said in a post on X.

“Favour has been selected for Nigeria’s upcoming 2028 Olympic qualifying double-header against Comoros on Friday 9th and Tuesday 13th October.

“Go and smash it, Favour – we know you will! 🤍🇳🇬”

NYSC kidnap: Kidnappers slash ransom to N100m as outrage mounts

2026-10-05T03:08:52.399-07:00

Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State have reduced their ransom demand from N50m to N5m per victim, bringing the total demand down from N1bn to N100m.

The development came as the victims’ parents disclosed that the abducted graduates were being beaten by their captors, heightening fears over their safety and prompting renewed calls for urgent government intervention.

One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, who spoke through one of her daughters in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Sunday, said the abductors had subjected the victims to physical assault since Friday.

Akande said the reduction in the ransom had not eased the families’ anxiety because the victims remained in captivity and were allegedly being brutalised.

“The kidnappers had reduced their demand from the earlier N50m per victim to N5m each,” she said.

“They are still demanding N5m. They have come down to N5m each.”

The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.

Some of the names released by the parents are Makinde Mary Oluwapelumi, Akande Kehinde Morufat, Abdul Temiloluwa Sarah, Adeniran Mariam Olulola, Adefioye Ayomide Isaac, Adewale Paul Iyanuoluwa and Oyede Esther Funmilayo.

The names were released by the parents during a visit to the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Bodija, Ibadan North Local Government Area, on Saturday.

The parents also disputed claims that 10 passengers were rescued by security operatives after the attack, saying those who escaped did so by fleeing into the bush.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had confirmed the initial N50m ransom demand per victim to The PUNCH on Friday.

Akande said she could not confirm how much the families had raised towards the ransom, explaining that she was not privy to the arrangements between the kidnappers and the other parents.

“I cannot say because I do not know how much they have told those people that they have,” she said.

Describing the situation, she said, “It has been horrible, scary and overwhelming.”

£117m Rogers failed at Bournemouth - and feared he may not make it

2026-10-05T02:48:19.468-07:00

Three years before becoming Chelsea's £117m club-record signing, Morgan Rogers watched his value fall to just £1m and questioned whether he would make it at all.

For Rogers, the transition from academy football to the men's game was not as seamless as he had hoped and, in his own words, it took a series of "difficult loans" for him to break through.

Bournemouth, who Chelsea face at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, were the first of two underwhelming Championship loan spells for Rogers, alongside a later stint at Blackpool, while he was a Manchester City player.

It was a setback for a player who had been a regular England youth international and one of West Bromwich Albion's brightest academy prospects.

In a recent interview with Chelsea's club channel, Rogers said that period taught him how to "take knocks".

Asked what his rise through the EFL had taught him, he replied: "Everything."

After a long pause, he added: "I needed that next challenge, to be taken out of my comfort zone and find the player I was going to be in professional football.

"I think the academy player I was, if you watch me then, is not the same player I am now. I am a completely different player. I had to learn that on loan.

"The one thing I learned when going through these difficult loans is that I couldn't care less what people say about me. I just care about what I can control."

Rogers' value dropped from £9m to £1m

Getty Images

Rogers lined up in an attack with now-Everton forward Brennan Johnson (pictured right) at Lincoln City

"I don't think there's such a thing as a bad loan," Rogers' first loan manager at Lincoln City, Michael Appleton, told BBC Sport.

Appleton had worked in West Brom's academy and knew Rogers was one of the most highly rated prospects there. He made it his mission to bring him to Sincil Bank in League One.

He remembers Rogers having a big personality and speaking up in team meetings despite arriving as an 18-year-old. The forward went on to score six goals and provide two assists in 28 appearances after joining shortly after lockdown.

En route to the play-off final, which Lincoln lost to Blackpool, Appleton recalls one moment in particular.

"We played Portsmouth away and they had three or four absolute units in the team," he added. "We were setting up for set-pieces and almost running out of players to pick up these giants.

"Without any hesitation whatsoever, Morgan said: 'Make me a marker. I'll head the ball out of our box.'

"This was a teenager on his first loan.

"He was full of confidence because he was playing well, but he took the defensive side of the game just as seriously as trying to impact the opposition's box. For me, that's a great example of him as a person and as a player."

However, after earning an opportunity in the Championship with Bournemouth, Rogers started only three matches and scored once under then-manager Scott Parker, whose side secured promotion back to the Premier League.

Rogers had little impact and was described as a "slow burner" by former scout Des Taylor, who brought him in.

He added: "You could see his ability having scouted him at Lincoln, but it wasn't clear what he would become. We saw his Lincoln loan spell turn him from a boy into a man.

"He showed he could handle the physical side of things after coming from Man City's academy. Unfortunately, we signed him late in the window. We saw him as a number 10, but Parker was not really playing with a number 10.

"I don't think it was a great time for him because he wasn't getting game time and, when he did, it wasn't in the position he wanted. He was a victim of the transition. It was no fault of Scott's, but it didn't work out."

Former Bournemouth team-mate Steve Cook added: "Bournemouth had the opportunity to sign him permanently (reportedly for £9m) but it didn't work out.

"He didn't let it stop him. First and foremost, he was a really good lad. He was energetic away from the football pitch and I think that character has helped take him to where he is now.

"He's a great example that not every journey is straightforward. You need setbacks to make you hungry and appreciate what you've got. He worked hard, listened, had a willingness to learn and wanted to prove people wrong."

Rogers' loan spell was cut short and he returned to academy football before an injury delayed his next move to Blackpool until the following January.

The move reunited Rogers with Appleton in the Championship, but the manager was sacked after only two weeks and replaced by Mick McCarthy.

Rogers made 20 appearances, both as a starter and substitute, scoring once as the Tangerines were relegated to League One after appointing a third manager in April.

"Unfortunately, he played one game against Watford and then I got sacked. That wasn't great for either of us," Appleton added.

"He'd been patient, I'd been patient while he recovered from his summer injury, we'd finally reconnected and then I was out of the building.

"I don't think he played as much as he would have liked after that, but he dealt with it professionally and in the right way."

Rogers says this period was "difficult" and tried not to compare himself to former team-mates who overtook him and got opportunities before him.

He even doubted whether he would make it but said his family and friends kept him grounded.

Notably, his "best friend in football", Cole Palmer, joined Chelsea for £42.5m having not needed a loan move to establish himself at Manchester City. At the same time, Rogers joined Middlesbrough for just £1m.

A run of five goals and three assists during Middlesbrough's six-game run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals alerted Aston Villa, where several of Rogers' former West Brom coaches were working in senior academy roles, to make an initial £8m move in the winter window.

By then, however, his close friend Palmer had already broken into the England squad through regular goals and assists for Chelsea.

"Morgan is a great example that careers aren't always a straight line," Appleton explained.

From a £9m prospect to a £1m gamble and eventually a £117m Chelsea signing, his story is a reminder that some of the best footballers need to overcome setbacks from a young age.

Portugal boss says door open for Ronaldo return

2026-10-05T02:46:38.386-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo can still return for Portugal if he chooses to, says boss Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old captain left their Nations League camp after being an unused substitute against Norway and then finding out he would not start against Denmark.

Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances - both world records.

After leaving the camp he wrote on social media: "In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated."

Jesus, for his part, had always said he planned to discuss the issue after the last of his side's four Nations League games against Norway on Sunday. A 2-1 victory sealed a place in the last eight for the competition's defending champions.

Jesus - who also managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr - said: "If he wants to, he'll return to the national team.

"We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who's going to decide.

"Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he's the one who will decide how he wants it.

"In my first call-up, I said, 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you'. And now I'm saying the same thing."

Portugal host Denmark in their next Group A4 tie on 14 November, before visiting Wales three days later.

Ronaldo started the 1-0 opening-game win over Wales, but he was named as a substitute in Norway and told he may or may not come on. He was apparently angered at being made to warm up during the second half - and then not brought on.

It was the first time the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid forward had been an unused substitute for his country in a competitive game since 2008.

When Jesus announced in a news conference Ronaldo would not start against Denmark either, the veteran left the camp.

AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos has scored in all three starts with Ronaldo out of the team.

After Sunday's success against Norway which put them six points clear of second-placed Denmark in the table, goalscorer Joao Cancelo told RTP: "Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had.

"Things will certainly end in the best way [with him] but the important thing is the four victories."

Team-mate Nuno Mendes added: "Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, obviously. If Cris returns, we'll be here to receive him with open arms."

Ronaldo, one of football's all-time greats with five Ballon d'Or awards, has helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations Leagues.

£800m in, £800m out - Why Man City scandal shines light on Man Utd finances

2026-10-05T02:42:23.077-07:00

The Premier League panel's report laid it out in black and white.

"The club's income was hugely overstated by over £830 million."

In other words, Manchester City's owners circumvented the league's financial regulations over a number of years by pumping money into the club that should not have been recorded as sponsorship income.

The damning judgement landed less than five days after Manchester United's extended filing to the New York Stock Exchange which detailed their end of year accounts to 30 June 2026.

Contained within it was an interest payment of £37m, an increase from £34m the previous year.

And respected football finance blogger Swiss Ramble now estimates that United's net interest payments since the leveraged Glazer takeover of the club in 2005 have risen to a total of £852m.

Without excusing City's owners in any way, it has not escaped the attentions of many fans from both Manchester clubs that while the arrival of one ownership group in the city resulted in money being ploughed in, it meant a similar significant sum being paid out in interest for the other.