Beijing’s dream of making China a football powerhouse depends on millions of children taking up the sport, but even coaches say tradition-minded parents view the game as a wasteful distraction from school.

The Nigeria Football Federation yesterday said it was not averse to the planned audit of its books, while also providing details of the programs and activities on which the much-talked-about $801,929 part of a FIFA grant was spent.

Former Super Eagles captain, Daniel Amokachi has said the practice of local coaches being bribed to invite players onto the country’s national teams is endemic.

Antonio Conte has brushed off the suggestion that Chelsea are title favourites and urged his players to do their talking on the pitch.

Pep Guardiola has ordered Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho to study Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski in his bid to displace Sergio Aguero at Manchester City.