Storytimes Newspapers

  Nigeria have missed out on qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in a qualification playoff in Casablanca.   The Super Falcons, who were eliminated from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, were beaten by Banyana Banyana in a closely contested encounter that ended their hopes of securing one of the remaining World Cup tickets.   Nigeria mounted a late fightback and scored in the 93rd minute, but the goal came too late to prevent the Super Falcons from suffering defeat.   The victory sends South Africa into the intercontinental playoff, where they will now battle for a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.   Nigeria’s defeat means the Super Falcons, one of Africa’s most successful women’s national teams, will miss out on the global tournament for the first time since 1991.

  Chinedu reportedly di£d in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after suffering a medical emergency during a pre-season friendly between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.   According to a statement issued by the Katsina United Media Directorate, the player was immediately attended to before being rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention.   According to the statement, despite efforts to save his life, Chinedu di£d at the hospital.   Teammates, coaches, club officials, supporters and other members of the football community have expressed grief over the loss of the young player, whose promising career has been cut short.   Chinedu previously played for Kano Pillars before joining Katsina United, where he was expected to contribute to the club’s campaign in the forthcoming season.   The circumstances surrounding the medical emergency and his de@th have yet to be fully established

  Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he no longer has confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino following controversy over a now-abandoned proposal to sell part of FIFA's commercial interests to private investors. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, August 5, Carney criticised Infantino's handling of the proposal, which would have seen the creation of a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage competitions including the FIFA World Cup. The proposal sought to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling a 20 per cent stake in the subsidiary, valuing the business at approximately $20 billion. FIFA] have their own procedures for making those determinations but certainly I don't have confidence in Mr. Infantino after this point, given what transpired and given the nature of what transpired," Carney said. The plan drew widespread opposition from football governing bodies, including UEFA and CONCACAF. UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA compet...

  According to L’Equipe, the two sides have reached a broad agreement over a proposal worth £77million plus bonuses.   The 28-year-old's contract has not been signed, but the deal is now very close.   The Magpies had been reluctant to part with their captain after losing other key players - such as Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon - this summer, but the Gunners have gone all out to get the deal done.   Guimaraes dropped a bombshell on the Newcastle hierarchy several weeks ago by informing them of his desire to leave. And he did not fly with the rest of the Toon squad to their pre-season training camp in La Manga on Friday.   The captain’s departure would cap off a challenging week on Tyneside, where fans are still heartbroken following the sudden departure of Eddie Howe.   The move would also result in Lyon , Guimaraes’ former club, receiving more than €8 million through a sell-on clause, according to L’Equipe.

  Aziz Abdul, 25,  was disqualified in the third round (90+kg) after he appeared to headbutt his opponent from England, Damar Thomas   Later, Abdul claimed the judges were against him because he is a "black African" and that Thomas was sparring in his homeland.   "When you watch the previous fights of England, their boxers create a lot of fouls," he said.   "I land a heavy punch on him, they never count. Instead of counting they deduct me. I am black African. He is in homeland."   The 2026 CWG is being staged at Glasgow, Scotland — one of four countries that make up the United Kingdom.   "All I can say about this is the decision is not right, I am not happy," he said. "He elbowed me. He caught me with the elbow.   "It [the head movement] was not intentional. I was trying to come back. "How can I headbutt someone? I would not.   "He was the person they wanted to win. He was the winner before. I knew if I did not get knockout, I...

  A total of 175 visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, with Nigerians among the nationalities seeking refugee protection after the tournament.   Canadian immigration authorities confirmed that the applications were submitted by foreign nationals who entered the country during the World Cup, which Canada co-hosted alongside the United States and Mexico. The asylum seekers reportedly identified themselves as FIFA World Cup visitors in their temporary residence applications.   The figures showed that Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims, with 25 visitors applying for refugee protection after the tournament.   Egypt and Colombia each recorded 15 claims, while Senegal had 10. Ecuador accounted for five claims among countries whose national teams participated in matches hosted by Canada.   Among visitors from countries that did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but travelled to Canada during the tour...

  CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has hailed the performances of Africa's national teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the continent's campaign as a landmark achievement that reflects the continued rise and growing competitiveness of African football on the global stage.   In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, Motsepe commended the 10 African nations that represented the continent at the expanded 48-team tournament.   During the tournament, nine African teams progressed from the group stage to the Round of 32, the highest qualification rate for African teams in FIFA World Cup history.   The African representatives at the tournament were Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.   According to him, Africa accounted for 20.8 per cent of the teams at the tournament but contributed 28.1 per cent of the nations that reached the knockout stage.   Motsepe s...

  Championship side Wolves cancelled their training session on Monday, July 21,  after striker Tolu Arokodare refused to leave the pitch.   The next day, extra security was deployed to ensure that the 25-year-old didn't return to the club's training ground, according to Mirror UK.   This comes just weeks into Cesar Peixoto's reign as manager. The Portuguese was brought in to replace Rob Edwards, who was sacked after Wolves were relegated from the Premier League by finishing rock bottom of the table.   Arokodare, who scored just six goals in 38 games, was part of the squad responsible for Wolves' dismal season and had been linked with a move away.   The striker has been linked with Fiorentina and Trabzonspor this month as the club seeks to offload the 25-year-old, who is said to favour a move to Italy this summer.   Wolves signed Arokodare for around £24M last summer, but after he scored just three Premier League goals in 33 appearances, he is expected ...

 According to Brazilian news outlet TMC, the 26-year-old forward recently underwent a chin harmonisation procedure at a dermatology clinic in Goiânia soon after returning from a holiday in Europe.   Real Madrid susperstar, Vinicius Jr debuts new look after undergoing chin cosmetic surgery (videos)   Chin harmonisation (or chin augmentation) is a cosmetic procedure used to alter the shape, size, or projection of the chin to create better balance and symmetry with the rest of your facial features.

  Weeks after featuring for his country at the World cup, South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, has passed at 25.     SouthAfrica's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced his passing in a statement.   "It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams. South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international."   Police in South Africa said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.   "The cause of Jayden's passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from s...

 Arsenal have announced the signing of French goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a two-year deal following his departure from Leeds United last week.    The 26-year-old goalkeeper is expected to join the squad to provide valuable depth to the club's goalkeeping options ahead of the upcoming campaign, having spent seven seasons in YorkshThe club officially confirmed his arrival on Thursday through a statement on their website, highlighting his extensive experience in English football.   “We can confirm the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Illan Meslier to the club. 26-year-old Illan joins us following seven seasons with Leeds United, during which time he made 215 appearances in all competitions, keeping 70 clean sheets. Illan began his career in his hometown with French side FC Lorient, progressing through the club’s academy before signing his first professional contract in February 2018. The commanding goalkeeper made his senior debut later that year, keeping a clean sheet...

 British Nigerian footballer, Michael Kayode has penned a new long-term contract with Premier League club Brentford, . Kayode only linked up with the Bees just one year ago from Fiorentina in a deal worth €18m. The new contract will see the versatile full-back remain with Brentford until June 2032, with the club keeping an option to extend for one more year. “Ever since I joined the club, everything has been amazing. It feels like I’ve been playing for Brentford for 10 years. I’ve improved a lot on the pitch and outside of the pitch. That’s really important for me.”     Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said: “Michael had an amazing season last year. He epitomised everything good that we do. His development and evolution has been really, really impressive. “Michael’s someone that we love working with every single day, who comes in with such an enthusiastic demeanour, and is a joy to be around and to coach. We’re absolutely delighted that he wants to stay because we love ...

  The Netherlands lost on penalties to Morocco and are heading home after a disappointing campaign.   "I made the decision to end my tenure as head coach ‌of the Dutch national team," Koeman wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.   "We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would make history. That didn't happen. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. As ​head coach, you bear that responsibility."   The Netherlands had reached at least the round of 16 in eleven previous World Cups, including a quarter-final appearance four years ago in Qatar. It was the third consecutive time the Netherlands have been eliminated from the World Cup in a penalty shootout.   Koeman has been criticized at this World Cup by some for setting his team up in a defensive manner. He has opted against extending his contract, which was due to expire after the World Cup.   "Precisely because I have worked so closely and intensively with this coaching staff and this group of players f...

  The United United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced this in a statement issued by the Department of Justice on June 30, 2026. The former LSU track athlete residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick following his conviction for possession of a firearm by an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa.    He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence.   According to admissions made during his plea, on February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume possessed a Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol, while he was admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant F-1 student visa.    Based on the complaint that preceded the indictment, on the night of February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume was in his apartment when an ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, arrived at the apartment with the baby.   Oghenebrume, who had be...

  At least two people di£d from suffocation during massive celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico advanced to the FIFA World Cup round of 16, the city government said in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1. A 19-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man di£d from asphyxiation, Mexico City’s health secretary said, after huge crowds gathered to celebrate the national team’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador.   Emergency responders were unable to revive them.   The ​incident occurred on Hamburgo and ​Lancaster Streets, near the Angel of Independence landmark, where ​thousands of soccer ​fans had gathered to celebrate Mexico's ‌2-0 ⁠victory over Ecuador in the round of 32.   Authorities have not confirmed the de@th of a third person, reported by local media. They said investigations are continuing.   The celebrations came after Mexico beat Ecuador to record their first World Cup knockout win since 1986, sending the co-hosts into the round of 16.   More than a million peop...

 Johnson, the former Titans workhorse and one-time Jets running back, shared the sad news during an appearance on “Good Morning America.”   “There’s no history of ALS in my family,” Johnson, now 40, shared in an interview with Michael Strahan. “My doctors believe my case is what’s called sporadic ALS, which is actually how the vast majority of ALS cases happen.”   “That’s one of the reasons this disease can be so shocking,” he added. “It can happen to someone who never expected it.”   When asked about the diagnosis, Johnson said he would fight through it. Honestly, I don’t know if you ever fully process it,” Johnson said. “At first, you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices. You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.”   Johnson says that his disease reared its ugly head when he was spending time with his wife, Brittany Johnson, and four kids, as he felt his right hand going a bit weaker than normal.   “At first, it was little things l...

 South Korean police are planning extensive security measures at the airport ahead of the arrival of the national World Cup team after the team's outgoing manager received a death threat.   Hong Myung-bo resigned from his position after his side’s group-stage exit from the World Cup and harsh condemnation from the country's president, who called the coach "incapable" and demanded an investigation into their poor performance.. The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early World Cup departure for the second time.   Following the World Cup exit, Hong Myung-bo reportedly received death threats from angry fans.   According to the Daily Mail, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency has announced they are sending 160 riot and airport police for the return of the national team in Korea's third-biggest city on Tuesday.   That follows threats to the life of Hong. Korean news agency Yonhap reports an online post read: 'I will take the lead...

  Actor Charles Ndawurum has mocked South Africans after they crashed out of the World Cup last night. The Bafana Bafana boys of South Africa were sent back home by Canada after 1 - 0 victory in knockout stage. Like Charles, many Nigerians rejoiced over this win. There is no love lost between Nigerians and South Africa following the latter's recent anti-foreigners campaign that has seen over 400 Nigerians deported from the country. Charles shared a video laughing at the South African team. He asked the footballers to go back to their jobs and women. Watch the video he shared below  

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its knockout stage, with a number of Round of 32 matches now officially confirmed following the completion of several group-stage fixtures.   History-makers Cape Verde have set up a blockbuster meeting with defending champions Argentina after becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout rounds. South Africa will face Canada in the first confirmed Round of 32 fixture after finishing as runners-up in Group A.   Several knockout places remain undecided, with the final group-stage matches in Groups J, K, and L set to determine the remaining Round of 32 pairings and the identities of the last best third-placed qualifiers.   Last 32 ties - confirmed teams in bold.   Sunday June 28 Match 73: South Africa vs Canada , kick-off 8pm - Los Angeles, USA Monday June 29 Match 76: Brazil vs Japan , kick-off 6pm - Houston, USA Match 74: Germany vs Paraguay , kick-off 9.30pm - Foxborough, USA Tuesday June 30 Match 75: ...

  Cape Verde have written a remarkable chapter in FIFA World Cup history after becoming the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage of the tournament after a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in their group stage finale in Houston on Friday.   The island nation, with a population of just over 600,000, secured qualification from Group H after finishing unbeaten, collecting three points from three draws against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. "We are small," said Vozinha, Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation. "But we have big hearts and we are fighters." The tournament debutants pulled off one of the World Cup's biggest surprises by playing pre-tournament favorites Spain to a scoreless draw in its opener. They followed that up by scoring their first goals of the World Cup in a 2-2 tie against Uruguay. With Friday's draw, they finish undefeated on three points and take second place in Group H behind 2010 winners S...