Africa Sport News — Page 82

Jurgen Klopp has come to a preliminary agreement to assume the role of head coach for the German national team.
Jurgen Klopp is on the verge of becoming Germany's new head coach after reaching an agreement in principle with the German Football Association (DFB).The former Liverpool manager held talks with DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke in New York on Friday, where both parties agreed on the key terms of a proposed contract.While the deal has yet to be finalised, further discussions are expected next week as the DFB works to secure an agreement with Red Bull, Klopp's current employer. The 59-year-old has served as the company's Head of Global Football since January 2025.In a statement, the DFB confirmed that the meeting was constructive and expressed confidence that negotiations would be completed successfully once an agreement is reached with Red Bull.Klopp is expected to sign a four-year contract, taking charge of the German national team for the first time in his managerial career. The role will also mark his return to coaching after leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season following a successful nine-year spell at Anfield.He is set to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down after Germany's disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana's Black Maidens narrowly defeated Senegal in a penalty shootout to clinch their spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Ghanaâs Black Maidens have booked their place at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Womenâs World Cup after defeating Senegal 7-6 on penalties in a thrilling final qualifying match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.The Black Maidens showed tremendous character to recover from an early setback before prevailing in a nerve-racking penalty shootout, with the second leg ending 1-1 and the overall tie finishing 2-2 across both matches.Having battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Dakar, both teams entered the return fixture knowing victory would secure a place at the global tournament in Morocco. Senegal made the stronger start and silenced the home crowd by taking the lead after just 10 minutes, placing Ghana under immediate pressure.Despite the early blow, the Black Maidens refused to panic. Coach Joe Nana Adarkwaâs side gradually settled into the contest, enjoying more possession and creating openings as they searched for an equaliser.Their persistence was rewarded moments before halftime when captain Seidatu, who plays for Oaks FC, produced a composed finish in the 44th minute after a well-worked attacking move. The goal brought the Accra Sports Stadium to life and ensured the teams headed into the break level at...

President Federation Cup: El-Kanemi Warriors Triumph Over Ikorodu City to Secure Fourth Championship
El-Kanemi Warriors were crowned champions of the 2026 President Federation Cup after edging Ikorodu City 1-0 in a tense final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Saturday. The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Muktar Ismail calmly converted from the penalty spot, a goal that ultimately separated the two sides in a [...]

Noskova Dominates Muchova to Claim Wimbledon Championship
Czech youngster Linda Noskova was at her best form as she recovered from missing five championship points to beat Karolina Muchova in Saturday’s Wimbledon final. The 21-year-old ninth seed blew five championship points in the second set before holding her nerve to secure a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 victory and her maiden Grand Slam trophy. Read [...]
World Cup 2026: Norway Needs to Master Ball Control Against England – Ajer
Norway defender Kristoffer Ajer has disclosed that the squad will approach their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against England with a Brentford mentality, a mix of humility, collective spirit, and taking each match one step at a time. Despite being considered the underdogs against the tournament favorites, the Norwegian camp is riding high on [...]

Flamingos Outlast Benin to Secure Spot in the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup
Nigeria’s Flamingos have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after securing a thrilling 5-3 victory over Benin Republic at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Saturday. Akeem Busari’s side advanced 8-5 on aggregate, having won the first leg of the final qualifying round 3-2 in Ikenne. The Flamingos made a bright [...]

Arsenal Contemplating the Return of Ex-Gunners Star
Arsenal are interested in re-signing Dinos Mavropanos after the Greece international was relegated with West Ham. Mavropanos, 28, is wanted by several clubs and could be sold as part of a fire sale at the London Stadium. The defender is no stranger to the Gunners, who bought him from Greek club PAS Giannina for £1.8million [...]

Benitez: Iraola Holds a Minor Advantage Over Alonso in the Premier League
Former Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez believes newly appointed Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has an edge over Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso because of his established Premier League experience. While Benitez praised Alonso’s tactical intelligence and success at Bayer Leverkusen, he noted that Iraola’s prior three-year stint at Bournemouth makes his transition to a massive club [...]

NPFL: Kano Pillars Introduce New Technical Director Ogunmodede
Kano Pillars have unveiled their new technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede, Completesports.com reports. The 46-year-old was unveiled at the club’s secretariat by Chairman Ahmad Musbahu Garo on Saturday. The Sai Masu Gida recently appointed the young tactician as their new technical adviser, replacing Mohammed Babaganaru, who guided the club to safety last season. “We are delighted [...]

Garnacho Missing from Chelsea's Pre-season Workouts
Alejandro Garnacho has not joined up with the Chelsea squad for pre-season as the Premier League club actively look to sell the winger, BBC Sport reports. Chelsea began pre-season training on Thursday for those members of the first-team squad not at the World Cup, but Garnacho was absent from the sessions at Cobham. The situation [...]

Super Falcons midfielder Payne signs a two-year contract with Inter Milan.
Super Falcons midfield star Toni Payne has left Everton and joined Inter Milan on a two-year deal. Inter announced the signing in a statement released on their official website on Saturday. “Internazionale Milano announces the arrival of Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne at the Nerazzurri. The Nigerian striker, born in 1995, has signed a contract with [...]

South Africa Midfield Sensation Passes Away Just Weeks After Appearing at the 2026 World Cup
South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after featuring for his country at the World Cup, BBC Sport reports. Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group games at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the [...]

World Cup 2026: Argentina Needs to Demonstrate Resilience Against Switzerland – Scaloni
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has disclosed that the team must show more grit if they are to defeat Switzerland in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions are facing resilient opposition in Kansas City but remain driven by their head coach’s emotional call for total devotion and fighting spirit. Read Also:World [...]

Wolves Reject Fiorentina's Offer For Arokodare
Wolverhampton Wanderers have turned down an approach from Serie A club Fiorentina for Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Romano also disclosed that Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor have submitted a proposal for the forward, but the player is not interested in joining the Black Sea Storm. “Understand Fiorentina had a [...]

Top Tier: The Complete List of All 100 Contestants for 1xCup 2026 Revealed
Nigeria’s biggest grassroots event kicks off on July 23. The application period has officially closed, and 1xBet has announced the 100 teams that will compete in the new 1xCup season. Experienced teams, already accustomed to the pressure of big matches, and daring newcomers will fight for the title and generous prize money. All the participants [...]

President Federation Cup: Nasarawa Amazons Triumph Over Heartland Queens in Penalty Shootout to Claim Women's Championship
Nasarawa Amazons were crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women’s President Federation Cup after edging Heartland Queens 6-5 on penalties in a thrilling final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Saturday. The victory earned the Lafia-based club their third President Federation Cup title, adding to their previous triumphs in 2005 and 2019. Heartland Queens, [...]
Ghanaian striker Morirtz-Broni Kwarteng makes his return to FC Magdeburg.
German-born Ghanaian forward Moritz-Broni Kwarteng has re-signed for Bundesliga 2 side FC Magdeburg. The 28-year-old rejoins the club after signed a deal in the summer transfer window following a spell with VfL Bochum."In football, they often say you meet twice in life. For me, that's definitely true now. Just the thought of being back home in Magdeburg soon makes me incredibly happy. While my time at FCM was the shortest, it was also by far the best and most successful period of my career," said the forward.Kwarteng enjoyed a successful spell during his days in the lower division with Magdeburg, leading to interest from then freshly promoted Bochum.However, at Bochum injuries and a loan spell Fortuna Dusseldorf meant Kwarteng needed a change."The images of promotion to the third division and staying in the second Bundesliga are still vivid. Plus, I'll be seeing many familiar faces here, with whom I've always stayed in touch. So when the opportunity arose to return, I didn't have to think twice," he continued."I'm really looking forward to playing in front of our fans at the Avnet Arena again soon. Everyone involved pulled out all the stops in recent weeks to...

Gideon Mensah shares his motivation for signing with FC Koln, despite receiving attention from various other teams.
Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has opened up on his decision to join German club FC Koln. The 27-year-old, who turns 28 in seven days time, signed a two-year deal to join the Bundesliga side in the summer transfer window.The moves brings an end to an impressive career in the French league with AJ Auxerre, where he made over 100 appearances, including 98 Ligue 1 games.According to the Black Stars left-back, the decision to move to the Bundesliga felt best and right one following his meeting with the officials of Koln."After the World Cup, I had several options. But in the discussions with the FC officials, who went to great lengths to sign me, I had the best feeling from the start. Added to that is the sporting prospects the club outlined for me," he said after signing the deal."And of course, I've already heard a lot about the city and the extraordinary support of the FC fans, which I'm really looking forward to. Just like I did for Ghana and my previous clubs, I will give my all for FC so that the club achieves its goals and we are successful as a team,” he added....
South African midfielder Jayden Adams has tragically passed away just days after returning from the FIFA World Cup.
South African football has been plunged into mourning following reports that Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The talented midfielder was part of South Africa's historic World Cup campaign, making three appearances as Bafana Bafana progressed to the Round of 32 before bowing out to co-hosts Canada.Adams' performances in the tournament further highlighted his growing importance to both club and country and cemented his reputation as one of South Africa's brightest midfield talents.Adams joined Mamelodi Sundowns after establishing himself as one of the standout players in the South African Premier Division during his time with Stellenbosch FC.News of his reported passing has sent shockwaves across the football fraternity, with tributes pouring in from supporters, teammates, former colleagues and football stakeholders.The South African Football Players Union described Adams as a gifted footballer who proudly represented his country on the biggest stage, while fans have taken to social media to express their grief over the loss of a player whose career appeared destined for even greater heights.The circumstances surrounding Adams' death remain unclear. While some reports have speculated...

VIDEO: Gideon Mensah shares insights gained from Quaresma, unveils a hidden talent, and chooses between Gyan and Essien.
Defender Gideon Mensah has revealed learning the most from Portuguese legend Ricardo Quaresma during his first interview with new club FC Koln. Mensah and Quaresma played together during his time in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes, playing on the same flanks in the Primeira liga in the 2021/22 season.The Ghana international signed a two-year deal to join the Bundesliga outfit in the summer transfer window.In a quick-fire questions and answers session with Koln for their socials, Mensah disclosed he also does music in his spare time and revealed he passionate he is about it.Meanwhile, when asked to pick between Ghanaian legends Asamoah Gyan and Michael Essien, the defender had to take time to select his favourite.Mensah travelled to Germany on Friday to complete the deal which was announced on Saturday morning.The 28-year-old enjoyed a decent World Cup, a tournament he described was incredible for him on a personal level.He is expected to cut short his vacation to join his new teammates for pre-season in the coming days.Watch video below: Wir würden deine Musik gerne mal hören, Gideon 🤪_#effzeh pic.twitter.com/hkqbJEUmHy— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) July 11, 2026