It is one week since the curtains fell on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York. Spain deservedly carted away the gold trophy at the expense of a conservative Argentina side. The better side won effortlessly as good football prevailed.

Athletics historians can’t wait for a better opportunity than now to believe Nigeria is on the verge of winning one of the most elusive gold medals in our sports history. Despite a rich avalanche of great sprinters, a men’s 100m gold medal at the Commonwealth Games has been embarrassingly elusive.

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly declined the opportunity to become the new head coach of the Italian national team, citing family reasons.

Tyson Fury edged closer to a blockbuster heavyweight clash with Anthony Joshua after defeating Poland’s Mariusz Wach by technical knock-out on Friday, but said he was “not convinced” his fellow Briton would face him.

Team Nigeria kicked off their men’s 3×3 basketball campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a 21-17 victory over the Cayman Islands, boosting their hopes of a strong outing in the competition.

Nworgu delivered a commanding performance to win Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games, lifting her way to a new Commonwealth Games record of 119.0 points in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event.

LeBron James announced on Friday he will play for the Philadelphia 76ers next season, with the 41-year-old NBA superstar hoping to transform another franchise into a championship team.

Eight countries have already been ruled out of playing at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, years before the qualification campaign officially begins.

The International Olympic Committee has rejected a complaint filed by the human rights NGO FairSquare against FIFA president Gianni Infantino for alleged breaches of rules on political neutrality, an IOC spokesperson told AFP on Friday.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has fixed October 8 as the date for a landmark hearing that could determine the rightful winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Crystal Palace Women midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet has drawn praise after taking part in pre-season training despite being seven months pregnant.

Enzo Maresca said Friday it is a “privilege” to follow Pep Guardiola as manager of Manchester City.

The 49-year-old former Dutch international succeeds Frenchman Rudi Garcia, who stepped down having guided the ‘Red Devils’ to the World Cup quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s Roland Ezuruike has secured Team Nigeria’s first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after claiming silver in the men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event.

Monaco’s French midfielder Aladji Bamba has signed a five-year deal with Premier League club Newcastle, both teams confirmed on Friday.