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  • Real Madrid release squad for Málaga clash as Mourinho’s side chase third straight La Liga win

    Real Madrid release squad for Málaga clash as Mourinho’s side chase third straight La Liga win

    MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Spanish giants, Real Madrid, have released their squad for Sunday’s La Liga clash against Málaga CF at the Santiago Bernabéu, as José Mourinho’s side seek to continue their perfect start to the 2026/27 season.

    Los Blancos will host Málaga in their Week Three fixture on Sunday, August 30, with the match scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. local time.

    Real Madrid head into the encounter in impressive form after winning their opening two league matches and collecting six points from a possible six. The Spanish giants have scored six goals and conceded two, while Málaga are still searching for their first victory of the campaign after recording one draw and one defeat in their opening two fixtures.

    Mourinho’s side are coming off a dominant 4–1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick and Vinícius Júnior also finding the net. Luka Sučić scored Real Sociedad’s only goal of the match.

    Ahead of Sunday’s encounter, Mourinho expressed confidence in the depth and quality of his squad, insisting that Real Madrid have enough options to manage the demands of the new season.

    “We have a strong squad with solutions,” Mourinho said, pointing to the competition for places within his team and confirming that Cucurella is expected to start against Málaga, while Álvaro Carreras could begin the match on the bench.

    Real Madrid will once again look to their attacking stars, including Mbappé and Vinícius, as they attempt to secure a third consecutive victory and maintain their early momentum in the race for the La Liga title.

    Real Madrid Squad vs Málaga CF

    GOALKEEPERS

    • Courtois
    • Lunin
    • Javi Navarro

    DEFENDERS

    • Huijsen
    • Trent
    • Konaté
    • Cucurella
    • Á. Carreras
    • Rüdiger
    • Dumfries
    • Mario Rivas

    MIDFIELDERS

    • Bellingham
    • Camavinga
    • Valverde
    • Arda Güler
    • Bernardo Silva
    • Cestero
    • Alexis Ciria

    FORWARDS

    • Vini Jr.
    • Mbappé
    • C. Espí
    • Brahim
    • Yan Diomande

    COACH

    • José Mourinho

    Real Madrid’s next league fixtures after the Málaga clash include away and home encounters against Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano respectively, as Mourinho continues his efforts to build momentum early in the campaign.

    The Bernabéu clash provides Los Blancos with another opportunity to demonstrate their title credentials, with the team seeking to extend its winning run before the challenges of the new La Liga season intensify.

  • Real Madrid edge Espanyol 2-1 as Espí seals dramatic Mourinho return 

    Real Madrid edge Espanyol 2-1 as Espí seals dramatic Mourinho return 

    MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid began the 2026/27 La Liga campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol, as Carlos Espí struck in the 90th minute to give José Mourinho a winning start on his return to the club. 

    The victory at the RCDE Stadium marked Mourinho’s first competitive match back in charge of Real Madrid after 13 years and rescued the Spanish giants from what had looked increasingly likely to be a frustrating draw.  

    Madrid made a bright start and took the lead in the ninth minute when Jude Bellingham headed home an Arda Güler free-kick. 

    Espanyol responded strongly and levelled in the 30th minute through Álex Calatrava, who finished after receiving a cut-back from Javi Hernández. 

    The hosts continued to frustrate Madrid, while goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović produced important saves to keep his side in contention. He denied Madrid further goals, including a second effort from Bellingham early in the second half. 

    Madrid continued to press for a winner, with Federico Valverde going close in the 77th minute when his effort struck the post. 

    Mourinho responded with a series of substitutions as he sought to break the deadlock, eventually introducing Carlos Espí, who had joined Real Madrid from Levante during the summer.  

    The decision paid off in the 90th minute. 

    Kylian Mbappé drove into the penalty area before the ball fell loose, allowing Espí to react quickly, move the ball onto his right foot and fire past Dmitrović to complete a dramatic victory for the visitors. 

    The goal capped an impressive debut for Espí and gave Mourinho three points in his first La Liga match since returning to the Santiago Bernabéu. 

    Although Real Madrid dominated periods of the encounter, Espanyol showed resilience and remained competitive throughout, forcing Mourinho’s side to work until the final moments for the victory. 

    The result gives Madrid an early boost as Mourinho begins his second spell at the club, while Espí’s late intervention provides the team with an immediate reminder of the value of squad depth. 

    For Mourinho, however, the opening victory also highlighted areas requiring improvement as Real Madrid seek to challenge for the La Liga title. The performance was not entirely convincing, but the late winner ensured that the new era began with maximum points.  

  • Argentina fight back to eliminate Egypt, leave Morocco as Africa’s sole World Cup hope

    Argentina fight back to eliminate Egypt, leave Morocco as Africa’s sole World Cup hope

    WORLD CUP (NPA) — Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending the Pharaohs’ impressive campaign and leaving Morocco as the only African team remaining in the tournament.

    Egypt appeared to be on course for one of the biggest upsets of the competition after taking a 2-0 lead and holding the advantage until the 79th minute.

    Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring with a header in the 15th minute before Mostafa Zico doubled Egypt’s lead in the 67th minute after a disciplined defensive performance frustrated the defending champions.

    Argentina, however, mounted a dramatic fightback in the closing stages.

    Cristian Romero pulled one back with a header from a Lionel Messi corner in the 79th minute before Messi equalised four minutes later with a left-footed strike.

    Enzo Fernández completed the turnaround in stoppage time, heading home from a Lautaro Martínez cross to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.

    Messi had endured a frustrating first half after seeing his penalty saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir before later striking the post.

    Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances throughout the match, Argentina only found the breakthrough in the closing minutes as Egypt’s resistance finally gave way.

    Argentina finished with 61 per cent possession, 19 shots and an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.8, while Egypt registered five shots and an xG of 0.98.

    Egypt’s Marawan Attia, Hamdy Fathy, Mostafa Shobeir and Haissem Hassan were all cautioned during the encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

    The victory sends Argentina into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Switzerland or Colombia.

    Although Egypt exited the tournament, the North African side earned plaudits for pushing the defending champions to the brink and coming within minutes of a historic victory.

  • BREAKING: Canada knocks out South Africa to reach historic FIFA World Cup round of 16

    BREAKING: Canada knocks out South Africa to reach historic FIFA World Cup round of 16

    LOS ANGELES, U.S. (NPA) — Co-hosts Canada booked a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in their history after defeating South Africa 1-0 in a dramatic Round of 32 encounter decided by a stoppage-time winner from Stephen Eustaquio.

    The closely contested match, played before a crowd of 69,237 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, ended South Africa’s historic campaign despite another disciplined display by Bafana Bafana.

    After 90 minutes of tactical football and resilient defending by both sides, Eustaquio broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute with a precise right-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area, sending Canadian supporters into celebration.

    The decisive strike secured Canada’s first-ever qualification for the Round of 16 at a FIFA World Cup.

    South Africa enjoyed the majority of possession, controlling 58 per cent of the ball, but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances against an organised Canadian defence.

    Canada, despite having fewer possessions, created the more dangerous opportunities throughout the match and were repeatedly denied by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, whose impressive saves kept his side in contention until the closing moments.

    The North Americans threatened early from a set-piece when Moise Bombito’s goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba.

    Canada also appealed for a penalty after Richie Laryea went down under a challenge from Khuliso Mudau, but the referee waved away the claims.

    The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams creating opportunities but failing to find the breakthrough.

    Tani Oluwaseyi forced another fine save from Williams, while Jonathan David’s follow-up effort was blocked by defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

    Canada received another boost in the 75th minute with the introduction of star full-back Alphonso Davies, who made his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from injury.

    His pace and attacking runs added greater urgency to Canada’s play as the match entered its closing stages.

    The breakthrough finally arrived in stoppage time when a loose ball fell kindly to Eustaquio on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder struck a composed first-time volley into the bottom corner to seal a famous victory.

    Eustaquio was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.

    Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the positive impact of Davies’ return as his side advanced to the next stage of the competition.

    The Canadians will now face the winner of the Round of 32 clash between the Netherlands and Morocco in Houston on July 4.

    Despite the defeat, the Rainbow Nation leaves the tournament with plenty of positives after recording their best-ever FIFA World Cup campaign.

    Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history after progressing from the group phase, surpassing all previous World Cup performances.

    Head coach Hugo Broos also made history by becoming the oldest manager, at 74, to guide a team into the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.

    South Africa’s disciplined defending, tactical organisation and fighting spirit earned widespread praise throughout the tournament, with goalkeeper Williams emerging as one of the team’s standout performers.

    Although their dream ended heartbreakingly, Bafana Bafana’s performances marked a significant milestone for South African football and provided optimism for the future.

    For Canada, however, the victory represents another landmark achievement as the co-host nation continues its remarkable run on home soil, keeping alive hopes of an even deeper journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  • Ramaphosa salutes Bafana Bafana for reaching World Cup knockouts for first time

    Ramaphosa salutes Bafana Bafana for reaching World Cup knockouts for first time

    PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the national football team, Bafana Bafana, following their historic 1-0 victory over South Korea that secured the country’s first-ever qualification for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.

    In a statement on Thursday, Ramaphosa praised the team for its disciplined display and fighting spirit after the victory in Monterrey, Mexico.

    “Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on beating Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to make it to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time,” the President said.

    He commended head coach Hugo Broos and match-winner Thapelo Maseko for guiding South Africa into the Round of 32, where the team will face tournament co-hosts Canada.

    “Bafana Bafana displayed an inspired team performance of discipline in defence and precision in attack.

    “We remain united and hopeful under our banner that declares: ‘One Nation. One Dream. One Goal,” Ramaphosa added.

    South Africa’s qualification capped a remarkable turnaround after the team opened its campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico and then earned a 1-1 draw against Czechia.

    The historic victory over South Korea secured four points and second place in Group A, earning Bafana Bafana a place in the knockout rounds for the first time.

    Under Broos, South Africa has earned widespread praise for its tactical discipline, resilient defending and determined performances throughout the tournament.

    The team will now take on Canada in the Round of 32 on June 28 as they seek to extend their historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  • JUST IN: NBA sets June 18 deadline for AGC 2026 sports competition registration

    JUST IN: NBA sets June 18 deadline for AGC 2026 sports competition registration

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced June 18, 2026, as the deadline for registration for the sports competitions scheduled as part of the 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC).

    In a notice issued on Wednesday, the association urged interested participants to complete their registration before the deadline to be eligible for the various sporting events.

    The competitions will feature swimming, table tennis, chess, scrabble, PlayStation gaming and draughts, with a registration fee of N30,000 for each event. Participation in the wheelchair table tennis category is free of charge.

    According to the NBA, winners in the scrabble, chess, swimming, PlayStation and table tennis categories will receive cash prizes.

    The first-place winner in each category will receive N250,000, while second and third-place finishers will receive N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.

    The association said interested participants are required to pay the registration fee into the designated account details provided on the official competition flier.

    Proof of payment must be forwarded to the official conference email address, nbaconference1@gmail.com, after which participants will receive a registration form and the rules and guidelines governing the competition.

    The NBA stated that completed registration forms must be submitted alongside a valid means of identification, including an international passport, National Identification Number (NIN) card, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) or driver’s licence.

    Participants are also required to provide proof of registration for the 2026 Annual General Conference.

    The association reiterated that all registration documents and correspondence relating to the competition should be sent to the official communication email address before the June 18 deadline.

    The sports competition is one of the activities lined up for the NBA Annual General Conference 2026, bringing together legal practitioners from across the country to compete and network outside the courtroom.

  • Obi commends Davido, Nigerian artists for spotlighting Nigeria at World Cup

    Obi commends Davido, Nigerian artists for spotlighting Nigeria at World Cup

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has praised Nigerian artists who performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup, singling out music star Davido for using the global stage to draw attention to Nigeria’s security challenges.

    In a statement titled “The Commendable Act of Nigerian Artists at the World Cup,” Obi said the performances of Nigerian entertainers and the participation of Nigerians representing other countries at the tournament underscore the depth of talent the nation possesses.

    According to him, Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup is not a reflection of a shortage of talent but rather a failure of leadership to create an enabling environment for excellence to thrive.

    “Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup, as I previously stated, stems not from a lack of talent but from a conspicuous deficiency in political leadership that has failed to create an enabling environment for talent development,” Obi said.

    The former Anambra State governor noted that the success of Nigerian artists on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages, as well as the presence of Nigerians competing for other nations, should serve as a wake-up call for political leaders to invest more in the country’s youth and human capital development.

    Obi reserved special commendation for Davido, who used his appearance at the opening ceremony to campaign for the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State.

    The singer appeared in a custom-made black leather jacket bearing the inscription “Bring Them Home” and displaying the names of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers reportedly abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    According to Obi, the gesture transformed the performance beyond entertainment and brought international attention to a pressing national concern.

    “Davido’s impactful gesture in drawing global attention to Nigeria’s security challenges warrants commendation. By utilising his international platform, he effectively highlighted the country’s security crisis and advocated for the safe return of innocent victims,” he stated.

    Obi argued that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity deserves greater global attention, particularly in light of the government’s perceived inability to effectively tackle the challenge.

    “The pervasive insecurity in Nigeria merits international scrutiny, particularly given the government’s apparent inability to effectively address the situation,” he said.

    Despite the challenges confronting the nation, Obi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, insisting that meaningful change remains possible through responsible leadership and deliberate investment in the country’s people.

    “A revitalised Nigeria remains achievable,” he added.

    The remarks come amid growing concern over rising incidents of kidnapping and insecurity across parts of the country, with civil society groups and public figures increasingly using international platforms to advocate for the protection of vulnerable citizens.

  • World Cup absence reflects leadership failure, not lack of talent, says Peter Obi

    World Cup absence reflects leadership failure, not lack of talent, says Peter Obi

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has attributed Nigeria’s absence from the ongoing FIFA World Cup to what he described as a failure of leadership, planning, and institutional support rather than a shortage of football talent.

    In a statement issued on Thursday and titled “As the World Cup Begins Without Nigeria,” Obi expressed solidarity with millions of Nigerian football fans disappointed by the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the global tournament.

    As the competition gets underway across three host nations, Obi urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite the country’s absence from football’s biggest stage.

    “I identify with our teeming football followers and urge them not to be despondent that Nigeria is not participating, despite the abundant talent in our land,” he said.

    According to the former Anambra State Governor, Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the World Cup is symptomatic of broader governance challenges confronting the country.

    “Our failure to participate on the global stage is not due to a deficit of talent; it is a direct consequence of a deficit in leadership, planning, and institutional support,” Obi stated.

    He argued that Nigeria possesses the human resources and sporting potential required to compete with the best football nations in the world but lacks the structures necessary to consistently translate talent into success.

    Obi further challenged the younger generation to take a leading role in rebuilding the nation and creating systems capable of delivering excellence across all sectors, including sports.

    “The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation,” he said.

    The former governor urged Nigerians to view the World Cup not with frustration or despair but as a reminder of what the country can achieve through effective leadership and strategic planning.

    “Do not watch the World Cup with despair; rather, see it as a reminder of where Nigeria ought to be,” he said.

    Obi, who continues to campaign under his mantra, “A New Nigeria is Possible,” said the country must move beyond being a passive consumer of global entertainment and become an active competitor on the world stage.

    “We must move our country from being a nation of mere consumers of global entertainment to a nation of proud producers and competitors,” he added.

    Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament has generated widespread debate among football stakeholders, with many pointing to administrative challenges, poor planning, and inconsistent development programmes as factors behind the Super Eagles’ absence from the global showpiece.

  • Brighton sign Nigerian teen sensation Zadok Yohanna on five-year deal

    Brighton sign Nigerian teen sensation Zadok Yohanna on five-year deal

    BRIGHTON, United Kingdom (NPA) — English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of highly-rated Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract.

    The club announced the deal in a statement on its official platforms, confirming that the 18-year-old forward will remain at the Amex Stadium until June 2031.

    “Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed the signing of Zadok Yohanna from AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract until June 2031 for undisclosed terms,” the club said.

    The move marks another major milestone in the rapid rise of the Nigerian youngster, who has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Scandinavian football.

    New Post Africa reports that Yohanna reportedly attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United, before opting to join Brighton.

    The Kaduna-born winger joined AIK Stockholm in 2025 from Ikon Allah Academy and quickly established himself as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

    His impressive performances earned him promotion from the club’s youth setup to the senior team within two months of arriving in Sweden.

    Yohanna’s rapid development has also attracted the attention of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, with the teenager increasingly being viewed as a potential future addition to the Nigerian national team.

    Speaking after completing the move, the young forward expressed delight at joining the Premier League club and reflected on his journey from grassroots football in Nigeria to England’s top flight.

    “I am very happy to join this club because I know where I came from,” Yohanna said.

    “I really wanted to make my family proud and I have done that.”

    The transfer represents another success story for Nigerian football development, as young talents from local academies continue to secure opportunities at some of Europe’s leading clubs.

    Yohanna is expected to continue his development within Brighton’s system as he seeks to establish himself in one of the world’s most competitive football leagues.

  • Mbah rewards Rangers players, officials with N150m, plots of land for NPFL triumph

    Mbah rewards Rangers players, officials with N150m, plots of land for NPFL triumph

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has rewarded players, coaches and management of Rangers International Football Club with N150 million and plots of land for winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

    Mbah announced the rewards during a dinner reception held in honour of the team at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday night.

    Rangers clinched their ninth NPFL title, equalling the league record, after defeating Ikorodu City 2-1 in Lagos on May 24, 2026. The triumph also marked the club’s second league title in three years under the Mbah administration.

    Speaking at the event, the governor described the occasion as a proud moment for the state, likening it to celebrating a child who had returned home after excelling academically.

    “We are providing a cash gift of N100 million for the players and N50 million for the technical and management crew,” Mbah said.

    “In addition, we have approved a plot of land in Enugu for every player, while additional plots will be allocated to the General Manager, Head Coach, Secretary and Assistant Coach.”

    Mbah congratulated the team for their dedication, discipline and determination throughout the season, noting that the title was the result of hard work and sacrifice.

    He described Rangers as more than a football club, saying it remains a symbol of resilience, unity and hope for the people of Enugu State.

    According to him, the club’s rich history is associated with some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, including the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.

    The governor also commended Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his leadership and commitment, noting that the qualities required to build a successful football club are similar to those needed to build a prosperous state.

    Mbah assured the club of continued government support and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development.

    He disclosed that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would be completed to international standards ahead of Rangers’ continental engagements.

    The governor added that Enugu State would continue investing in sports infrastructure and youth development, especially as it prepares to host the 2026 National Sports Festival.

    While celebrating the club’s success, Mbah warned against complacency and urged the team to remain focused on achieving greater success on the continental stage.

    “Brace up, fight on, keep winning and ensure you bring the continental trophy home,” he said.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked the governor for his unwavering support for sports development in the state.

    He described Rangers’ title victory as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to excellence and noted that Enugu recently emerged overall winner of the National Para Games with 55 medals, comprising 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze.

    Responding on behalf of the club, Rangers General Manager Amobi Ezeaku said the achievement was built on discipline, preparation and ambition.

    He described the celebration as more than a football victory, saying it reflected the power of leadership, vision and collaboration between the government, management, players and supporters.

    Ezeaku expressed appreciation to Governor Mbah for his consistent support, noting that Rangers had enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its recent history under the current administration.