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Category: Sports

  • World Cup 2026: England draw Croatia as Scotland set for Brazil clash in group stage

    World Cup 2026: England draw Croatia as Scotland set for Brazil clash in group stage

    England will launch their 2026 World Cup journey against Croatia, while Scotland have been handed a daunting draw that includes Brazil when the tournament kicks off next summer.

    Thomas Tuchel’s England side begin their Group L campaign on 17 June, with their opener set for either Dallas or Toronto. Ghana and Panama complete the group line-up.

    For Scotland, the tournament marks their first appearance at a men’s World Cup in 28 years. They start against Haiti on 13 June in either Boston or New York, before taking on Morocco and then five-time champions Brazil in Group C.

    In Group B, Wales or Northern Ireland could find themselves alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland—provided either nation successfully navigates two rounds of UEFA play-offs in March. The Republic of Ireland, should they qualify, would be placed with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

    The 2026 edition—the first ever featuring 48 teams—will be staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States from 11 June to 19 July. A separate fixture-allocation draw, scheduled for 17:00 GMT on Saturday, will confirm venues and match timings, though a few details are already settled.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Countries banned, excluded from FIFA World Cups (1938- 2026)

    Mexico are set to face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in the opening match of the expanded competition, which will comprise 104 games across 16 host cities.

    In a significant tweak to the format, the four highest-ranked teams in the FIFA standings—Spain, Argentina, France and England—have been granted protected seedings. This ensures they cannot meet one another until the semi-final stage, provided they all top their groups.

    England, perfect in qualifying with eight wins from eight, could face the winners of Brazil’s group in the quarter-finals. Winning their group would also set them up against one of the tournament’s eight best-performing third-placed teams in the first knockout round.

    Scotland, drawn from pot three, face a formidable task: to progress they must contend with the world’s fifth-ranked team Brazil and 11th-ranked Morocco as they chase a place in the last 16 for the first time since 1998.

    World Cup 2026 draw in full:

    Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of Uefa play-off D

    Group B: Canada, Winner of Uefa play-off A*, Qatar, Switzerland

    Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

    Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of Uefa play-off C*

    Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

    Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner of Uefa play-off B*, Tunisia

    Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

    Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

    Group I: France, Senegal, Winner of FIFA play-off 2, Norway

    Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

    Group K: Portugal, Winner of FIFA play-off 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia

    Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

    Uefa play-off A: Italy, Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina or Northern Ireland

    Uefa play-off B: Ukraine, Poland, Albania or Sweden

    Uefa play-off C: Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo or Romania

    Uefa play-off D: Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland or North Macedonia

    Fifa play-off 1: DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia

    Fifa play-off 2: Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname

  • FULL LIST: Countries banned, excluded from FIFA World Cups (1938- 2026)

    FULL LIST: Countries banned, excluded from FIFA World Cups (1938- 2026)

    Since the FIFA World Cup in 1938, several countries have been banned, excluded, or prevented from participating for reasons that extend far beyond the football pitch.

    From global conflicts and political crises to administrative failures, missed deadlines, government interference, and outright misconduct, multiple nations have found themselves unable to compete in football’s biggest tournament.

    This comprehensive list traces every instance, spanning from 1938 to 2026, where a country was banned or excluded from the World Cup, along with the reasons behind FIFA’s decisions.

    It offers a historical look at how geopolitics, wars, and governance issues have shaped the world’s most-watched sporting event.

    Here are the countries banned or excluded from FIFA World Cups (1938- 2026):

    1. 1938 World Cup – France ‘38

    Banned / Excluded

    • Spain – Application rejected due to the Spanish Civil War (some accounts say Spain withdrew).

    2. 1950 World Cup – Brazil ‘50

    Banned

    • Germany – Banned after World War II.

    • Japan – Banned after World War II.

    3. 1954 World Cup – Switzerland ‘54

    Excluded (Missed FIFA deadline)

    • Iceland – Late application

    • Bolivia – Late application

    • Costa Rica – Late application

    • Cuba – Late application

    • Vietnam – Late application

    • India – Late application

    4. 1958 World Cup – Sweden ‘58

    Excluded

    • South Korea – Reason unclear; believed to be late/format-related

    • Ethiopia – Reason unclear; believed to be late/format-related

    Withdrew due to refusing to play Israel

    • Turkey

    • Indonesia

    • Sudan

    5. 1966 World Cup – England ‘66

    Banned

    • South Africa – Banned due to apartheid and African nations’ boycott.

    Excluded (Administrative/technical issues)

    • Guatemala – Missed deadline

    • Congo – Failed to submit written request

    • Philippines – Failed to pay required fees

    6. 1970 World Cup – Mexico ‘70

    Rejected by FIFA

    • Guinea – Reason unknown

    • Zaire (DR Congo) – Reason unknown

    Did not participate (unclear reasons)

    • Albania

    7. 1982 World Cup – Spain ‘82

    Excluded

    • Central African Republic – Late application and unpaid fees

    8. 1986 World Cup – Mexico ‘86

    Effectively Banned (Conflict-related)

    • Iran – Did not participate because they refused to play on neutral grounds during the Iran–Iraq War.

    (Technically a withdrawal rather than a FIFA ban.)

    Participated despite the war

    • Iraq – Played “home” matches on neutral grounds and qualified.

    9. 1990 World Cup – Italy ‘90

    Banned

    • Mexico – Suspended due to age falsification scandal in U-20 qualifiers (“Los Cachirules”).

    10. 1994 World Cup – USA ‘94

    Banned

    • Yugoslavia – Due to UN sanctions during the Yugoslav Wars

    • Libya – Banned due to terrorism allegations

    • Chile – Banned after goalkeeper Roberto Rojas faked being hit by a flare (“Maracanazo scandal’’)

    11. 2002 World Cup – Korea/Japan ‘02

    Excluded

    • Guiana – Financial constraints prevented participation

    12. 2014 World Cup – Brazil ‘14

    Banned

    • Brunei – Government interference in the football federation

    13. 2018 World Cup – Russia ‘18

    Banned

    • Indonesia – Government interference in federation

    • Zimbabwe – Failure to pay former coach José Claudinei

    14. 2022 World Cup – Qatar ‘22

    Banned / Suspended

    • Russia – Suspended due to the Ukraine invasion

    (Includes all Russian national and club teams.)

    15. 2026 World Cup – USA/Canada/Mexico ‘26

    Banned / Suspended

    • Congo – Governance violations

    • Pakistan – Governance violations

    • Russia – Still suspended over Ukraine invasion

  • Amorim defends his use of midfielder Mainoo

    Amorim defends his use of midfielder Mainoo

    Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has defended his failure to start any academy player in the Premier League this season and repeated his reasons for not giving Kobbie Mainoo an opportunity.

    Amorim has stressed previously he feels the academy is doing a good job.

    He has also said he will not break the proud record that dates back to 1937 of United having at least one homegrown player in the matchday squad.

    United are paying a lot of attention to the academy. They hired Stephen Torpey from Brentford to lead it and, last night, 15-year-old star forward JJ Gabriel was in the directors’ box at Old Trafford to watch the 1-1 draw with West Ham.

    Yet, actual playing time for the club’s academy players at first team level has been limited.

    Mainoo and local-born defender Tyler Fredricson both started the EFL Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby in August.

    Fredricson has not played another minute for the first team since, while Mainoo has featured for 171 minutes across nine substitute appearances in the Premier League. He came on in the final minute at Crystal Palace at the weekend and remained on the bench throughout the West Ham game, when Amorim used five substitutes.

    When Mainoo was injured, Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren, was on the bench for the draw at Tottenham last month. For the last three games, England Under-20 forward Shea Lacey was an unused substitute.

    “I just want to win,” said Amorim. “I don’t look (at) who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”

    Mainoo’s problem is that Amorim sees him in competition with skipper Bruno Fernandes, who has not been replaced since the win at Liverpool on 19 October six games ago.

    The 20-year-old could have joined Napoli on deadline day in the summer, having told United he wanted a loan move in order to try and preserve his place in England’s World Cup squad.

    That plan was blocked but it is understood Mainoo’s opinion remains the same and he feels he needs a loan move to help develop his career.

    Amorim has shown signs of frustration at the regular questions about a player who in 2024 scored in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City and followed up by starting the Euro 2024 final with England.

    Asked if he understood why Mainoo’s status as a homegrown English player made him of specific interest, Amorim said: “Of course I understand, and my job is to answer.

    “But you always ask me the same thing. I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie. He starts for England. But that doesn’t mean that I need to put Kobbie [in] when I feel that I shouldn’t put Kobbie [in]. It’s my decision.”

    Amorim offered no guarantees the situation will change even when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo leave for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon and Ivory Coast later this month.

    “I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said.

    “It’s the same question. I don’t know what is going to happen. It depends. I’ve seen the training, if it’s the best thing for the team, I will put [him in], that is the only way I know how to respond to that.”

    Amorim has opted not to give Lacey his senior debut even though United have failed to win two of the three games he was on the bench for and the Liverpool-born player was the only attacking option with Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha both missing games through injury.

    The lack of involvement gives the impression Amorim doesn’t trust the academy to develop players to the standard he needs.

    “Any players?” he said. “We have Kobbie Mainoo…”

    When asked specifically about Lacey, he added: “So you are asking me why I don’t put Lacey (on) to play, when I have other guys that are internationals who are also on the bench.

    “I try to put (on) the best guys, the prepared guys, for this moment of the club, in trying to win the game. That’s the only thing.”

    BBC Sports

  • Why I retired from international football – Troost-Ekong

    Why I retired from international football – Troost-Ekong

    William Troost-Ekong has opened up on why he chose to retire from the international football ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The 32-year-old centre-back officially drew the curtain on his international career on Thursday, bringing an end to nearly a decade of service to Nigeria.

    Despite being included in Éric Chelle’s provisional list for next year’s AFCON, Troost-Ekong said he would not be part of the squad for the tournament.

    According to the former Super Eagles captain, the moment felt right for him to step aside and give room for a younger generation to take the mantle.

    “Now is the moment for them to claim that,” Troost-Ekong said in an interview with the Standard.

    “The team is ready because we’ve got great leaders.

    “I think there is a natural progression and there is an art in knowing when to step away.”

    “Selfishly, I would have loved to lift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and play at one more World Cup.

    “But the thing that has given me the most joy now is I get messages from young boys saying they want to play for the Super Eagles.

    “They say they look up to me. Those are things you don’t start playing football for, but once they happen, they give you a real sense of pride.”

  • Safety Shooters inch closer to Ardova H’Ball Premier League crown

    Safety Shooters inch closer to Ardova H’Ball Premier League crown

    Safety Shooters moved a step closer to reclaiming the Ardova Handball Premier League title despite being held on Thursday to a 23–23 draw by Rima Strikers on Day 10 of the 2025 Phase 2 games.

    The highly anticipated fixture lived up to its billing, as both sides matched each other goal for goal in a tense encounter that ended 13–13 at halftime.

    The point gained keeps Safety Shooters firmly in pole position as they continue their push for a first league crown since 2019.

    Though they were unable to secure victory against a resilient Rima side, the FRSC-backed team maintained their composure in the closing stages to avoid a late upset, ensuring their title destiny remains in their hands ahead of the final matchday.

    In other men’s category matches, Lagos Seasiders edged Osun United 33–31 after rallying from a 14–13 halftime deficit to claim an important win.

    De Defenders survived a late scare to defeat Benue Buffaloes 27–26 in a tight game, while Correction Boys stunned defending champions Tojemarine Academy 40–35 in one of the biggest surprises of the day.

    Adamawa Warriors failed to show up for their clash, handing COAS Shooters a 10–0 walkover victory.

    The women’s category produced its own share of drama as Omo Ogiefo Academy outclassed Imo Grasshoppers 30–19, overturning an 11–10 first-half deficit.

    Plateau Peacocks were ruthless in their 39–22 win over Ekiti Queens, dominating the second half after a balanced first period. Defender Babes capped the day with a hard-fought 30–28 victory over Rivers Queens.

    Day 10 results set the stage for a thrilling grand finale on Friday, where champions of the 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League will be crowned.

    Safety Shooters are on the verge of lifting their first title in six years, while Safety Babes stand on the brink of history as they chase an unprecedented fifth consecutive league triumph.

  • International Retirement: Ekong bows out with ‘unforgettable’ Super Eagles memories

    International Retirement: Ekong bows out with ‘unforgettable’ Super Eagles memories

    The 2023 AFCON  Most Valuable Player , William Troost-Ekong, has officially  announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a decade-long career with Nigeria’s senior national team.

    The 31-year-old defender, who made his debut in 2015, confirmed that he will no longer represent the Super Eagles after earning 83 caps, winning three AFCON medals, and featuring in five major international tournaments, including two FIFA World Cups.

    In his statement, Troost-Ekong expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians and reflected on what the journey has meant to him.

     “After 83 caps, three medals and playing in five major tournaments, the time has come for me to say goodbye to the Super Eagles. It has been the greatest honour of my career to wear the green and white of Nigeria,”  Ekong  who served  for long as the team’s vice-captain, said. “I am proud of everything we achieved together — the victories, the battles, the setbacks and the unforgettable moments that defined us as a team. Representing Nigeria gave me purpose, pride and memories that I will carry with me forever.”

    Read Also: Reps to probe alleged misuse of FIFA grants by NFF

    Troost-Ekong also paid tribute to teammates, coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation, and millions of supporters around the world.

     “To my coaches, teammates and every fan who supported me through the highs and lows — thank you. I hope I was able to inspire the next generation as much as Nigeria inspired me.”

    The former Udinese, Watford and PAOK defender captained Nigeria at AFCON 2023, where he delivered one of the greatest individual tournament performances in Super Eagles’  history, scoring three goals and leading the team to a silver medal.

    His leadership, commitment and defensive presence made him one of Nigeria’s most reliable figures over the last decade.

    Troost-Ekong will continue his club career but takes a bow from the international stage as one of the most respected Super Eagles defenders of his generation.

  • Lakowe Lakes Golf’s  Club  Championship tees off tomorrow

    Lakowe Lakes Golf’s  Club  Championship tees off tomorrow

    Lakowe Lakes Golf Club, has announced that its 2025 Club Championship will hold between Saturday, December 6th  and Sunday, December 7th.

    The two-day tournament will bring together top playing members of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Club who will compete for honours in the 36 holes event. The event rewards skill and celebrates players that have improved throughout the golfing season.

    Over 120 players have registered to compete in the event where overall winners in each class is determined by their cumulative gross score returns. The categories to be competed for includes; Ladies, Gentlemen, and Veterans, providing opportunities for players of all levels to be recognized for their contributions to club activities throughout the year.

    Read Also: NFF, Nigeria Police commit to greater safety and security measures in Abuja

    “This championship is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity to reward individual players who have worked on their games, improved, and most of all displayed commitment in their growth in the game,” said Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club. “We’re proud to celebrate these gentlemen and ladies to foster a spirit of excellence that defines our community.”

    This year’s edition is supported by Sparkle MFB, Mixta Africa, Newmark, Africa Diving Services (ADS), Acutech Solutions Services, Geregu Power, Pocari Sweat and United Capital PLC

    The 2025 Club Championship not only crowns club champions but also underscores Lakowe Lakes Golf Club’s role as a hub for golf development in the region.

    Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate is a premier luxury golf resort in Lagos, Nigeria, known for its stunning course, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant community of golf enthusiasts. It is a leading destination for golf lovers in West Africa, providing an exceptional experience for both players and guests.

  • Golden Age Soccer  debuts  in Nigeria

    Golden Age Soccer  debuts  in Nigeria

    A unique era of evolution and therapeutic football game, known as Golden Age Soccer (GOLDAS), is billed for exhibition in Nigeria today.

    The game which will have an exhibition match at Ejigbo Mini Stadium, Ikotun Egbe Road, with four teams participating, will comprise of 19 players per squad, playing for a total of 99 minutes over three halves of 33 minutes each.

    According to the International  President of the League Dr. Ngiejung Nabil, the game is being introduced with objectives to convert  people’s passion for football into solving  their real life problems such as economic problems, poverty and youth unemployment.

    He said: “In the world today, there’s no doubt that people have passion for football and can go to any length to support their team. Some even worship football as a religion and can stake their lives for the game and their  favourite teams.

    “We believe that this passion can be converted to help people solve their economic and social problems; be it anger, poverty, unemployment, conflict, anxiety or social tension.”

    Read Also: NFF sets record straight on FIFA,CAF funds

    The game for the first time will be played on an oval type of pitch, like the shape of the  Earth (comprising of the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, the Equator and the Longitudes used in measuring time). GOLDAS is thus different from the football we know with rectangular laws.

    On how the game will be played, he explained that the Arctic and Antarctica cycles of the South and North Polaris of the earth, will now become the ring of the goalkeepers. While a full squad will comprise of 19 players,15 players will feature on the match form, with 9 players appearing in the field at a given time.

    Six players will serve as match reserves with an obligatory law that makes it binding for all the players to be fielded at  intervals, within the games 3 halves of 33 minutes each. This law seeks to promote equal participation for all team players.

    He also noted that jerseys will not be numbered with numbers, but lettered with the letters of the alphabet.

     “The game is also unique because goals are not only counted only when a ball enters the net. Tactical skills and exceptional efforts, can amount to a point.”

  • FAME Foundation ends exciting tourney for PwDs in Lagos

    FAME Foundation ends exciting tourney for PwDs in Lagos

    By Olalekan Israel

    The FAME Foundation has marked this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities(PwDs) by hosting the Inclusion Games at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    ‎‎The tournament, which is part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated annually on December 3, featured 26 participants competing in six events including 100m final (visual impaired), 100m final (cerebral palsy), 100m final ( deaf), discuss throw (amputee/polio), shot put (amputee/lexul upper) and long jump (amputee/ lexul). ‎

    ‎The Executive Director, FAME Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi,  expressed her joy for organising the event ,affirming the foundation’s commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diverse abilities. ‎

    ‎“I am happy with today’s event. The Inclusion Games allowed us to celebrate different abilities through activities such as the 100m finals for visually impaired athletes, athletes with cerebral palsy, and the Deaf, as well as the Discus Throw for amputees and polio survivors, and the Shot Put for amputee and Lexul athletes. This is what inclusion should look like in our society.”‎

    ‎She added: “This is the same principle that drives our HerSTEM Initiative. Through activities like the ongoing HerSTEM 2025 cohort, which provides digital literacy and basic computer skills training for women and girls with disabilities, and the HerSTEM Inclusive Tournament, we are creating spaces where they can learn, compete, and showcase their abilities. We are breaking stereotypes and showing that with the right opportunities, people with disabilities are not just included, they are leaders and contributors to social progress.”‎

    Read Also: NFF president visits Ola Aina in London

    ‎Aderonke also emphasised the need for collaboration and systemic change.

    ‎‎She said: “Building a truly inclusive society requires all of us working together. We call on the government to fully implement and enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. We also urge the private sector, civil society, and media to invest in accessibility, champion inclusive policies, and amplify the voices and achievements of persons with disabilities.

    ‎‎“Our collective progress depends on our commitment to inclusion. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of ability, can contribute their talents and succeed. Disability is not a limitation but one aspect of our diverse human experience.”‎

    ‎Folashade Oluwafemiayo, the World Record holder in the women’s para-powerlifting and ambassador of the FAME Foundation believes the tournament will be an eye-opener for other stakeholders to establish more initiatives for people living with disabilities.‎

    ‎“I was sitting right there looking at the athletes doing their thing. We have new up-and-coming talents who will make this nation proud in the future,” she said.

  • Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge starts Dec. 18 with bigger prize

    Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge starts Dec. 18 with bigger prize

    The next edition of the Victor Ikpeba 5-a-Side Football Challenge has been confirmed to hold in Warri, Delta State, between  December 18 and 20.

    This event has been designed to be a refreshing addition to the Christmas/end-of-the-year festivities for the community and the Bet9ja patrons in the area. This 5th edition has also been refined with a bonus for the teams and players, with the cash pool increased to N1m (one million naira). It is increased with a smaller number of teams this year for proper coordination and extra entertainment value.

    The football practical will involve eight teams built around the Bet9ja vendors in that area. Bet9ja is a partner of this laudable community sports and entertainment initiative.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: NFF begs Tinubu, Nigerians over  Super Eagles’ setback

    Day One of the competition will produce the semi-finalists, and it continues the following day to the third-place game before the grand finale on Saturday, the 20th.

    Victor Nosa Ikpeba, the African Footballer of the Year (1997), held the first edition in 2021 after the very first was organised in Surulere, Lagos. Since then, it has continued to be an event to look forward to for these communities. He spoke about this forthcoming event.

    Ikpeba said, “I don’t know if we would have come this far if Bet9ja did not see that it is helping the youths and decided to partner. So, it’s a thank you to Bet9ja.

     “This year’s edition is wonderful as it ushers in the 2025 AFCON (African Nations Cup), so it will simply be a build-up to the African event. I am happy when I see these young people sweat out for the trophy. We were like these decades back, and my prayer always is that the very gifted ones find a higher ground to fulfil their dreams.”

    There is a trophy for the winners, the individual awardees and cash for all.