Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with a memorable performance as Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 in Buenos Aires.The 39-year-old captain set up goals for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz before scoring Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot. The result gave Messi a fitting farewell in front of an emotional home crowd.Messi finishes his…

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia and their players after television footage appeared to show him describing the struggling La Liga side as “very weak”.The comment was reportedly made while Rodri was on the bench during Barcelona’s 5–0 league win over Valencia on Sunday. The result left Valencia without a win from their…

Football legends from Nigeria and across Africa are set to reunite in Lagos for a special match marking the 30th anniversary of Nigeria’s historic 1996 Olympic football triumph.The event will bring together former stars who played a major role in the memorable victory at the Atlanta Olympics, where Nigeria defeated Argentina 3–2 in the…

The zonal elimination matches for team sports ahead of the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival are set to begin on September 12, as athletes and teams across the zone prepare for the major sporting event.The competitions are expected to give teams the chance to qualify for the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival while also…

The OGWUS Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organisation (OYECDO) has unveiled two grassroots football tournaments aimed at engaging young people and tackling youth restiveness in communities across the Niger Delta.The competitions — the 2026 Upata Unity Football Cup and the 2026 OGWUS Empowerment Cup, Abua/Odual — are designed to provide productive opportunities for youths…

The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) has called for comprehensive and inclusive reforms in the administration of Nigerian football, insisting that players and other key stakeholders must have a stronger voice in the process.The players’ union made the call following the mass resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive board amid concerns…

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called for calm and continued improvement after the Reds began their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside after the match, Van Dijk admitted that the game was always expected to be difficult. Liverpool fell behind early but responded strongly…