Africa Sport News — Page 89

Trabzonspor Close to Finalizing Deal with Wolves for Arokodare

Tolu Arokodare is on the verge of completing a loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor from Wolverhampton Wanderers, reports Completesports.com. According to Turkish outlet Takagazete, Trabzonspor and Wolves are in the final stages of negotiations, with the Premier League club insisting that the Black Sea Storm cover the striker’s full annual salary of [...]

AC Milan Manager Amorim Dismisses Possibility of Chukwueze Leaving This Summer

AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Samuel Chukwueze will remain at the club for the 2026/27 season, putting an end to speculation over the Nigerian winger’s future. Chukwueze spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Premier League side Fulham, where he contributed three goals and four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. [...]

The Senate of Paraguay has distanced itself from senator Celeste Amarilla's 'racist' remarks directed at Kylian Mbappé.

The Paraguayan Senate has condemned what it described as “discriminatory and racist expressions” directed at France captain Kylian Mbappe by senator Celeste Amarilla following the two nations’ World Cup last-16 clash. The 61-year-old lawyer sparked outrage after referring to the Real Madrid forward as a “colonized Cameroonian” after France’s victory over Paraguay on Saturday. The controversy intensified when Amarilla took to social media to criticize Mbappe, sharing a post of the striker celebrating in front of Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill with a series of offensive remarks targeting his background. Paraguay’s Senate later held a five-hour debate on Wednesday before passing a motion rejecting all forms of racism and discrimination. The chamber stressed that Amarilla’s statements did not reflect the official position of the Senate or the views of Paraguay as a nation. Amarilla attended the parliamentary session and reportedly continued her criticism of Mbappe, describing him with an offensive insult over his decision not to shake Gill’s hand after the match. While some senators defended Amarilla’s comments, arguing they were a reaction to what they considered disrespect from the French star, the majority of the chamber moved to distance itself from her remarks. Senate leader Basilio Nunez was among those...

World Cup 2026: 'Egypt was cheated' – New York's mayor weighs in on Argentina controversy

Mayor of New York City in the United States, Zohran Mamdani, has asserted that Egypt were deprived of a win against Argentina in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 tie.The game, which ended in a dramatic 3-2 scoreline after the Pharaohs had taken the lead, was marred by criticisms of biased officiating that allegedly favoured the defending world champions.Addressing residents in New York on transport issues, Mamdani explained how his strategy for the deployment of buses has helped reduce delays for commuters.In his speech, he stated that agreeing with his strategy meant agreeing with the claims that Egypt were robbed against Argentina in the Mundial, drawing laughter from the audience.“Left for me to hit this goal. Now, if you take the bus to work, that adds up fast. Within six months, you will have spent 24 fewer hours on the bus. By the time a year rolls around, you'll have saved more than two days of commuting time. That means breakfast with your family.“It means having the time to argue balls and strikes at your kid's Little League game. It means getting home for bedtime. It means agreeing with your friends that Egypt...

Yaw Ampofo Ankrah calls for Ghana to create a strategic plan spanning 10 to 30 years aimed at hosting the FIFA World Cup.

National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has called on Ghana to begin a long-term strategy to host the FIFA World Cup.He insisted the country should work towards the goal over the next 10 to 30 years instead of dismissing it as impossible.Speaking on Joy Prime, Ankrah urged Ghana to engage FIFA early and seek guidance on the requirements for staging football's biggest tournament. He believes the country should adopt a patient, structured approach that allows it to gradually meet the governing body's standards."Let's just ask them: 'Charlie, we want to host the World Cup in Ghana in 20 years, in 10 years, in five years, or in 30 years. What do we need to start doing?'"He argued that Ghana must start the process with humility rather than accepting that hosting the World Cup is beyond its reach."Let's be humble and start the process. When people say, 'Oh, Ghana can never host the World Cup,' I disagree. We might be able to do it with our neighbors. We might be able to do it."Ghana, Nigeria, maybe three or four African countries—we can do it if we decide to put it together. But let's...

Arsenal Secure French Keeper Meslier From Leeds United

Arsenal have announced the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United on a two-year deal, after being released by the club last week. Meslier is expected to join as third-choice goalkeeper having spent seven seasons at Leeds. “We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club,” Arsenal wrote in [...]

World Cup 2026: FIFA imposes a two-match suspension on Jarell Quansah, likely sidelining him for a crucial semi-final.

England defender Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA following his red card in the Three Lions' 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup Round of 32, ruling him out of Saturday's quarter-final against Norway and a potential semi-final should England advance.The FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed the two-match ban for "serious foul play" after concluding that Quansah's tackle on Mexico's Jesús Gallardo constituted a breach of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The suspension means the 23-year-old will only be available to play again if England reach the final or contest the third-place play-off.The Football Association had been considering an appeal against the automatic one-match suspension following FIFA's shock decision to overturn United States striker Folarin Balogun's red card.Balogun became the 12th player to receive a red card at the 2026 World Cup and was the first not to serve a suspension after FIFA invoked article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the automatic one-match ban for a probationary period of one year. The decision came after US President Donald Trump personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.A British MP, Noah Law, wrote...

Keller: Balogun Is Set to Make a Comeback in the Premier League

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Kasey Keller has tipped USMNT star Folarin Balogun to make a return to the Premier League after his impressive performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Balogun has been heavily linked with a move away from AS Monaco, and the developments have drawn significant interest from clubs in Europe. Read Also:Barcelona Submit [...]

World Cup 2026: Morocco's coach Ouahbi aims for an upset against France in the quarter-finals.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has insisted his side will not waste time on premature praise ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against France, with any stock-taking to be done at the end of the tournament.Thursday's game is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar. But this time, the North Africans are no longer the surprise outsiders but a confident side aiming for the title.Ouahbi made it clear that his team are not satisfied with merely reaching the quarter-finals."We will take stock at the end of the tournament," Ouahbi told a press conference. "I will not say anything now because we can have more. We are not going to listen to people who will say 'what you have done up to now is wonderful'.""France are favourites, but we will do everything possible to win tomorrow and qualify for the semi-finals," he added."I don't like this feeling 'we have done well to get here and all the rest is bonus'. No, the bonus is to win the World Cup. This is how we have come this far and we will go further."France, world champions in 2018 and...

World Cup 2026: Jarell Quansah receives two-match suspension following red card against Mexico

England have suffered a major World Cup setback after defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match suspension by FIFA, ruling him out of the quarter-final against Norway and any potential semi-final.The Bayer Leverkusen centre-back was dismissed in England’s last-16 victory over Mexico after a VAR review upgraded his challenge on Jesus Gallardo to a straight red card.Quansah’s sliding tackle saw his studs make contact with Gallardo’s shin, prompting FIFA to classify the incident as serious foul play.England had explored the possibility of appealing the sanction, particularly after USA striker Folarin Balogun saw his own one-match suspension overturned following a controversial intervention that reportedly came after lobbying by US President Donald Trump.However, FIFA instead increased Quansah’s punishment after determining he had breached Article 14 of its disciplinary code, which carries a mandatory two-match ban for serious foul play.The decision leaves England without one of their key defenders for Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Norway and would also sideline him from a potential last-four meeting against either Argentina or Switzerland should the Three Lions progress.Quansah’s only remaining route back into the tournament is if England reach the World Cup final, where he would become available for selection...

OGC Nice Director Provides New Insights on Moffi's Prospects

OGC Nice sporting director Roger Ricort has confirmed that Terem Moffi is expected to leave the Ligue 1 club on a permanent transfer this summer, Completesports.com reports. Moffi spent the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese champions FC Porto after falling out of favour at Nice. The Nigeria international sought a move [...]

Division One League: Accra Lions U19 embark on European tour with a trip to Germany

As the highlight of the preseason, an Accra Lions U19 selection will embark on a three-week tour of Germany and Sweden, beginning on 9 July.The tour will start with a visit to our partner club, Eintracht Frankfurt.Since the partnership was established in April 2025, the close collaboration between the two clubs has been defined primarily by the exchange of expertise, with Eintracht Frankfurt regularly sending technical and medical specialists to Accra.Their support has provided our club with invaluable knowledge and significantly contributed to the development of our sporting and medical departments.This return visit, featuring our U19 squad and coaching staff, will focus on high-level sporting competition, performance testing, and further strengthening the relationship between both clubs.The highlights of our stay in Germany will be two friendly matches against Eintracht Frankfurt's U19 and U21 teams.After more than two weeks in Germany, the Accra Lions delegation will continue its journey to Sweden, where further friendly matches are scheduled against well-established clubs, including IFK Norrköping and IK Sirius.The European tour is not only an important part of our preparations for the upcoming Division One League season but also reflects our club's commitment to providing our young...

I don't share the belief that Ghana will never be able to host the World Cup - Yaw Ampofo Ankrah

Ghana can successfully host the FIFA World Cup in the future if the nation initiates long-term strategic planning and actively explores regional co-hosting opportunities with West African neighbors, according to National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.Speaking on Joy Prime, Ankrah strongly rejected widespread claims that the global showpiece remains permanently out of reach for the country.Instead, he advocated for immediate, humble consultation with international football governing bodies to map out structural benchmarks over an extended 10 to 30-year window."Let's just ask them: 'Charlie, we want to host the World Cup in Ghana in 20 years, in 10 years, in five years, or in 30 years. What do we need to start doing?'" Ankrah stated."Let's be humble and start the process. When people say, 'Oh, Ghana can never host the world cup,' I disagree. We might be able to do it with our neighbors. We might be able to do it."However, this ambitious multi-decade vision faces severe immediate headwinds. FIFA's expanded 48-team tournament layout demands unprecedented logistical scale and world-class stadium standards.Currently, Ghana’s premier venues, including the iconic Accra Sports Stadium, remain in a ‘very terrible state’ as stated by Ampofo Ankrah.To...

World Cup 2026: France Possesses Sufficient Quality to Defeat Morocco – Petit

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has predicted that France will defeat Morocco in tonight’s quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. Recall that Les Bleus pipped Paraguay in the round of 16 to get to this stage while Morocco thrashed Canada 3-0 as well. It sets up an exciting rematch of the 2022 World Cup [...]

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