The Argentinian star, Lionel Messi has commissioned the 24-carat devices for every member of the winning squad and had them delivered to his Parisian apartment on Saturday. Each phone has the player’s name, number and the Argentinian logo engraved on it. Last night a source said: “Lionel wanted to do something special and blingy to celebrate his proudest moment. “He …

First Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu has expressed dismay and disappointment with a recent publication in an online blog in which he was quoted as having denied Nigeria’s joint bid with Benin Republic to host the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday evening, the respected football …

Just Fontaine, the all-time top scorer in a single FIFA World Cup finals with 13 goals, has died aged 89, his family told AFP on Wednesday. Fontaine achieved the record in the 1958 finals in Sweden where France reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history, losing to Pele’s Brazil. Part of a wonderful attacking trident at that …

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet resigned on Tuesday following accusations of sexual and psychological harassment, bringing to an end more than a decade in charge. The 81-year-old’s resignation comes 13 days after the publication of a damning report into management practices at the FFF, but despite that, it emerged that he is set to continue working for the …

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Yannick Malala Kabanga from the Democratic Republic of Congo as referee for Saturday’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group A clash between Nigeria and Mozambique in Ismailia, Egypt. Kabanga will be assisted by Styven Moutsassi Moyo from the Republic of Congo (Assistant Referee I), Pascal Ndimunzigo from Burundi (Assistant Referee II) and Moroccan …

Solomon Agbalaka was named Man of the Match following Nigeria’s 1-0 win against hosts Egypt at the ongoing 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. This was as the seven-time African champions steered their campaign back on the rails after defender Agbalaka’s 71st minute header collected all three points from host nation, Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night. …

Flying Eagles will be gunning to get back on track in the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations as they trade tackles with host nation Egypt on Matchday Day 2 on Wednesday at the Cairo International Stadium. The Nigeria U20 men’s team lost narrowly to the Junior Teranga Lions of Senegal 0-1 in the opening game on Sunday but still stand a chance of qualifying for the quarterfinals …

In the wake of a viral photograph of a Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) official urinating publicly on the pitch prior to their MatchDay 9 fixture against Akwa United last Sunday, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) has fined the club and suspended the official identified as Auwal Mohammed. In a summary jurisdiction notice sent to 3SC, IMC’s Head of Operations, …

The Flying Eagles will have to get their acts right on Wednesday when they engage host Egypt in their second Group A match of the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals. Record seven-time winners of the championship, the Nigerian squad lost their opening fixture to Senegal on Sunday, and have Wednesday’s game against Egypt and Saturday’s against Mozambique to …

Fixtures at Pantami Township Stadium in Gombe United and the other at Jos International Stadium will be the focus as Matchday 9 continue this evening. Plateau United are fourth in Group A, while Remo Stars stand a step below. Plateau United travel 285 kilometres to Gombe to square up against Gombe United realising that a point will lift them to …