“It’s a bit of a shock, although we’d always had it in mind that we might reach this stage after the first two matches,” Bubista said.

Six of Africa’s 10 representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have secured places in the Round of 32 following the latest round of matches.

Belgium defeated New Zealand 5-1 to book their place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Friday, securing their first win of the tournament to finish on top of Group G in Vancouver.

England and Portugal will aim to finish on a high as the World Cup group stages draw to a close on Saturday with the final places in the knockout rounds up for grabs.

Each has four points, a tally that can no longer be surpassed by the third-placed teams in Group A, Group C, Group H and Group I

.Failures in U17, U20, U23, Super Eagles too heavy to keep current NFF board .Five benchmarks for new board; change must begin with structural reforms By Douglas Baye-Osagie  The Nigeria Football Federation elections are set for September, and the anger is louder than ever. Nigerians are still in pain over missing the 2026 World Cup […]

By Jacob Ajom What happened to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria? It hurts to note that Nigeria’s legacy in age group football competitions has become a distant history. The Golden Eaglets, with five FIFA World Cup titles and three runners up medals are the most successful international team in the world in that category. They […]

Forget the tactical drawing boards and the clinical European analysis. The ongoing 2026 World Cup has officially turned into a vibrant, high-octane African festival. If the first few weeks of football have revealed anything, it is that Africa is driving the pulse of this tournament. Here is how the continent is stealing the show across […]

By Pius Ayinor Basketball in the South East has continued to show growth and development with every passing month in the last few years. It was indeed a full weekend of activities from June 5 to 7, 2026, for many young basketballers scattered across the South East region of Nigeria. There is something ironic about […]

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said his side will try to “keep the dream alive” for their fans backhome by progressing to the World Cup last 32. Victory over already-eliminated Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday will secure qualification for the knockout stages as at least one of the best third-placed sides. Desabre’s side stunned Cristiano […]

Senegal became the first African side to score five goals in a World Cup match, a stunning double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match on Friday.

Ousmane Dembele scored one of the earliest hat-tricks in World Cup history on Friday as the Ballon d’Or winner starred in France’s 4-1 win over a second-string Norway, while Erling Haaland watched on from the bench.

Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk said on Friday that he was vacating his three boxing world title belts but is not retiring. The 39-year-old Ukrainian, who is unbeaten in his professional career, said that he wanted “to make them free so that the guys who are in line for them can box”. Usyk’s announcement came just […]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion, with Matchday Three matches underway as teams battle for places in the tournament’s expanded knockout rounds.

Six players of Nigerian descent were among those selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence on basketball’s biggest stage.