MANCHESTER — Manchester United fullback Noussair Mazraoui has attracted controversy after reportedly refusing to wear a rainbow jacket as part of the Premier League’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Mazraoui, a Muslim, objected on grounds of his religious faith. United ultimately decided to ‘maintain the team ethos and togetherness’ by scrapping their plans to trot out their rainbow jackets during last Sunday’s match against Everton.

Mazraoui has been Manchester United’s most consistent player since arriving in Manchester on a four-year deal from Bayern Munich. He ranks second in the league in dribblers tackled and fifth in total tackles.

Hours before their 4-0 win over Everton, Mazraoui told team officials he wasn’t willing to wear the club’s rainbow jacket due to his Muslim faith. As a result, Manchester United higher-ups informed the team that no one would wear the club’s jackets so Mazraoui wouldn’t be the only one wearing it and thus face criticism. Some players inside United’s locker room were frustrated after learning they wouldn’t wear the team’s pro-LGBTQ+ tracksuits.

However, captain Bruno Fernandes sported a rainbow-colored armband on Saturday. At the same time, key figures like Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans worked with United to create extended videos on the club’s drive for inclusivity. The Red Devils have made significant strides to emphasize inclusivity in the locker room and the workforce.

The incident mirrors a recent incident where Ipswich captain Sam Morsy refused to wear a rainbow armband in their losses on Saturday and Tuesday. Morsy, a practicing Muslim, reportedly turned down the armband due to religious beliefs. Marc Guehi also sparked controversy after writing “I [heart] Jesus” on his armband. Although Guehi will not face any punishment, the FA is expected to release a memo to teams and players about how religious messaging is banned.

United, who has significantly improved under new manager Ruben Amorim, will play their next match on Saturday against Nottingham Forest.

The groups for the inaugural Club World Cup were drawn earlier today. Four African teams — Sundowns, ES Tunis, Wydad, and Al Ahly faced difficult draws that could warrant early exits.

Al Ahly faces Porto, Palmeiras, and Inter Miami in Group A. ES Tunis faces Flamengo, Chelsea, and Club Léon in Group D. Sundowns faces Ulsan HD, Dortmund, and Fluminese. Wydad faces arguably the best team in the world Manchester City, along with Al Ain FC and Juventus FC.

Bayer Leverkusen reportedly wants to ward off interest from top-level Premier League clubs by handing star striker Victor Boniface a long-term contract. Boniface has scored six goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances, while Chelsea and United are eager to complete a winter transfer.

ISTANBUL — Galatasaray legend Sabri Sarioğlu recently told media that star winger Hakim Ziyech should stay with Gala ahead of recent rumors of his impending exit. Ziyech could switch to Qatar or Saudi Arabia ahead of an exciting, crucial 2024/25 season. Sarioğlu argued that parting with the Moroccan magician would be a huge blow for Gala, who recently signed elite striker Victor Osimhen.

“At the beginning of the season, Hakim Ziyech is going through a bad patch. He needs to gain more confidence,” Sarioglu stated. “He is so talented. But his self-confidence can be shaken if he does not feel loved and appreciated by the coach and his teammates,”

Ziyech was reportedly placed on the club’s transfer list following inconsistent production and a falling-out with manager Okan Buruk. Ziyech has played 87 Super Lig minutes for Galatasaray and faces competition at the right winger slot with Baris Yilmaz and Kerem Akturkoglu.

His high salary, along with his alleged uncoachable mentality and the high competition at the winger position, has invited clubs to come bidding. Ajax, still rebounding from a historically poor season, are interested in bringing back Ziyech. Benfica, Greek Super League clubs, and Arab sides are also interested in Ziyech.

However, Galatasaray could reverse their plan to sell Ziyech following internal pressure. Former players and analysts have slammed Buruk’s decision to take off Ziyech at halftime in their 1-0 Champions League qualification loss to Young Boys.

“He replaced him at half-time, considering that he was not in top form. In my opinion, the whole team was not at the level that day,” Sarioglu explained.

If Ziyech decides to stay in Istanbul, he’ll be part of one of the best Galatasaray teams to play at RAMS Park. Ziyech and Galatasaray have a difficult set of matches ahead — they’ll play Rizespor, Gaziantep, Fenerbahce, PAOK, and Kasimpasa in the month of September.

Mohamed Salah has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month Award after a stellar August with Liverpool. Salah scored three goals and added three assists in three Premier League appearances for the Reds. He’s led his team over Ipswich, Brentford, and bitter rivals Manchester United amidst a tense contract dispute. Salah is just two awards behind record-holders Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane. Liverpool are currently tied with City at the top of the table.

Zamalek has recently signed Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza, who scored three goals and one assist in 17 appearances. Boupendza chose Zamalek over signing for Galatasaray and staying with Cincinnati. Boupendza, who joined as a free agent, is renowned for his versatility up front and his clinicality.

The struggle for power between FECAFOOT and the Cameroonian Ministry of Sports has continued with Cameroon’s upcoming AFCON qualifying matches. Upon landing in Kampala for their away match against Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Sports completely redirected them from the hotel FECAFOOT reserved for them. The team is reportedly disgruntled ahead of their Tuesday clash with Zimbabwe, but it’s yet another turn in a series of controversies for Cameroon.

LIVERPOOL, Great Britain — Star Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah recently updated reporters about his uncertain contract situation after Liverpool’s dominant 3-0 win over United. The 32-year-old was linked to a transfer to Saudi Arabia during the summer, but Salah turned away advances in hopes of renewing his Liverpool contract. His contract expires at the end of the season.

After Salah assisted two goals and scored another in Sunday’s edition of the Northwest Derby, Salah admitted to reporters that he had no idea whether he would stay at Anfield beyond this season.

“To be fair, I was coming to the game [as if] it could be the last time [playing at Old Trafford],” Salah shrugged. “Nobody in the club has talked to me about contracts. It is not up to me, it is up to the club.”

Although Liverpool rejected a $197 million offer from Al Ittihad over the summer, Fenway Sports Group has shown indecisiveness, if not laziness, in extending Salah’s contract. It leaves Salah, new manager Arne Slot, and Liverpool in a complicated middle ground where no one knows what the future will look like for Salah.

“As you know, it’s my last year in the club. I just want to enjoy it, I don’t want to think about it. I feel I’m free to play football and let’s see what’s going to happen next year.”

Arne Slot was terse in his words about Salah’s future beyond the 2024/25 season, electing to focus on the team’s overall well-rounded performance and their September 14 fixture against Nottingham Forest.

“A lot of ifs, but at this moment he is one of ours. I am really happy with him being one of ours and he played really well. I don’t talk about contracts,” Slot said.

“He was impressive, like [in] the first two games but if you talk about an individual you don’t do justice to the other ones. All the attention goes to Mo and Lucho [Díaz] but that doesn’t do justice to the other nine and the ones who came in.”

Salah has cemented his status as one of Slot’s key attackers as they jostle at the top of the table for a Premier League title. Salah had a hand in all of Liverpool’s goals against United. In three games, he boasts three goals and three assists.

Salah will join the Egyptian national team in Cairo for AFCON qualifying matches against Cape Verde and Botswana.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed rumors that the club will extend Nicolas Jackson’s contract until 2033. Football (In Detail) previously reported that Jackson’s extension hinged on the signing of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Jackson’s form. Chelsea failed to sign Osimhen before the August 30 deadline, and Jackson has scored two goals and one assist in three appearances. Jackson, who agreed to the extension, joins Cole Palmer in the latest Chelsea stars to ink an extension.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly agreed to loan Osimhen to Turkish side Galatasaray. Osimhen was heavily linked to a deal with one of Chelsea and PSG, but neither side met Napoli’s $120 million price tag. Osimhen felt disrespected by Napoli’s handling of Osimhen’s transfer request and recently informed Napoli that he wouldn’t train nor play with the first team. Napoli have decided to lean on a striker rotation of Romelu Lukaku and Giacomo Raspadori, electing to send Osimhen on loan to Galatasaray.

RENNES, France — Barcelona defender and teenager prodigy Mikayil Faye signed a four-year contract with Rennes that will keep him in Roazhon Park until 2028. Faye, heralded as one of the best defenders to come out of Barcelona’s academy in recent memory, left due to Barca’s financial strain. Although teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern, and more were interested in signing Faye, only Portuguese side Porto entered negotiations with Barca. Porto and Barca didn’t agree on a price, opening the door for Rennes to negotiate with Barcelona.

Faye talked with former Blaugrana winger Ousmane Dembele, who spent five seasons in Rennes’ academy and another in the first team. Faye left with a positive impression of Rennes after talks with Dembele, Lovro Majer, and club president Olivier Cloarec.

Rennes will pay $11.5 million for Faye’s services, representing nearly $9 million in pure profit after Barca bought Faye from Croatian club NK Kustosija last year for $2.6 million. Part of the deal is a buyback clause that would see Faye return to Barcelona for $28 million and a 30% sell-on clause. Rennes is currently eighth in Ligue 1 after

Faye left Barcelona due to the depth in the central defender position. Faye would have to fight off Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, and more for playing time at the number four position.

It’s a good deal for Barcelona. They won’t completely let go of Faye, one of their more talented prospects, but it’s almost like a loan. If Faye flops, they’ve profited around $9 million. If he thrives for Rennes, they can bring him back for $25 million. If he’s sold for a price in between the $11 million Rennes paid for him and the $25 million Barca needs to pay, Barca could earn several million dollars through their sell-on clause.

“I had the opportunity to speak with Ousmane Dembélé and Lovro Majer,” Faye grinned. “They both told me that this was the perfect club to keep progressing and that everything would work out well.”

16 African sides have progressed to the second qualifying round of the CAF Champions League, with South African giants Orlando Pirates the most notable team to advance. Orlando Pirates easily smashed past Malagasy side Disciples FC with a 4-0 second-leg victory to set up a second-round fixture against Jwaneng Galaxy.

The other 15 teams to advance were Gor Mahia, Dekedaha, CBE, Young Africans, APR, Pyramids, Mbabane Swallows, AS Maniema, Red Arrows, Jwaneng Galaxy, Enugu Rangers, Sagrada Esperança, AS Douanes, CR Belouizdad, Samartex, Raja, US Monastir, MC Alger, Djoliba, ASKO Kara, Stade d’Abidjan, Milo, San Pédro, Al Hilal, Al Merrikh, and the winner between Remo Stars/ASFAR. The second round will begin on September 13.

United winger Hannibal Mejbri is primed for an exit from Old Trafford, with Scottish giants Rangers the most interested party. Mejbri is buried behind a wealth of attacking depth, which includes Amad, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and more. Rangers are willing to pay $12 million for Mejbri, but their lack of Champions League football is a red flag for Mejbri. A move to the Championship is also a possibility — promotion contenders Leeds and Burnley could sign the Tunisian target.

In other news from Manchester, United have agreed to sign Mali defender Sekou Koné from Malian side Guidars FC. Koné led Mali to an impressive third place in last year’s U17 World Cup. The move comes through new recruitment director Christopher Vivell, who signed Moussa Yeo, Mamady Diambou, and more from the club. Koné saw interest from the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea but will likely join United’s under-21 squad and occasionally train with United’s senior team.

LEICESTER, United Kingdom — Ghanaian striker has inked a two-year deal with newly-promoted Leicester City in a fee that could rise to $10 million. Ayew, who made 175 appearances for Palace across seven seasons, appeared in Palace’s Sunday defeat to Brentford as a substitute.

Steve Cooper sought Ayew, who scored four goals and seven assists last season, to bolster Leicester’s attacking options. Leicester signed Sporting CP winger Fatawu Issahaku, Fulham attacker Bobby Reid, and Brighton playmaker Facundo Buonanotte in the summer transfer window. Ayew joins legendary strikers Jamie Vardy and Stepy Mavididi.

Leicester finished second in goals (89) and first in xG created (84.9) in last year’s Championship but lost striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the transfer market. They’ve spent around $75 million on new signings but could still face relegation to the Championship.

“I'm very happy to be here and I'm proud. I want to thank the club as they fought hard to bring me here. It happened quickly and I'm so happy to be here," Ayew, son of legendary striker Abedi Pele, said. "As a player, when you hear that the manager wants you, it just makes you want to come and work under him and to try to improve. Even though I'm 32, as a player, you always want to learn and improve. I'm here to work hard and help the team achieve their targets."

Ayew featured in Leicester’s 2-1 loss to Fulham earlier today, playing 27 minutes as a substitute. Ayew’s sole shot, a free kick from around 25 yards out, launched over the ball. He had a largely mediocre performance as he adjusted to Cooper’s tactical system.

Having lost star midfielder Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea, Leicester will lean on Buonanotte, Vardy, and center-back Wout Faes to avoid the red in their first Premier League season since 2022-23.

Yves Bissouma scored on his return to the Spurs’ starting lineup after serving a one-game suspension for huffing laughing gas. Bissouma received a pass from Dejan Kulusevski on the edge of the box before rocketing a shot towards goal. His attempt hit the bottom of the bar before bouncing past the ball. Spurs went on to win their match against Everton 4-0, sending them to the top four of the Prem as of writing.

"Yeah it was [a heck of a finish],” manager Ange Postecoglou grinned. “No, I'm not surprised because like I said, there's no doubt in his ability, you know. He has the ability to do something special.”

Victor Osimhen’s transfer saga has taken yet another turn. The Nigerian has ruled out a move for Chelsea and Arsenal, favoring French champions PSG. Although none of the three want to trigger Osimhen’s $145 million release clause, PSG is the closest to meeting Napoli’s $100 million asking price. Osimhen wants to join his former manager Luis Campos at PSG, who he considers his ‘footballing father’. The possibility of Osimhen staying at Napoli is becoming more imminent. Negotiations will rage through the weekend after PSG’s 6-0 win over Montpellier.

LEICESTER, United Kingdom — Leicester manager Steve Cooper has confirmed star striker Patson Daka will miss a ‘few months’ after suffering an ankle injury in a friendly against Lens. Daka, who featured for Leicester in their Championship-winning 23/24 season, scored seven goals and added five assists in 22 appearances. Stephy Mavidi will likely take his place for their Premier League opener against Tottenham.

Cooper ruled Daka out of action for several months after the Zambian successfully underwent ankle surgery. Although Daka looked set to miss their Monday matchup, Cooper and crew hoped to get Daka back by the end of August. However, the injury was worse than initially feared.

“He suffered a quite serious ankle injury last week in the game at Lens and he is going to be out for a good few months,” Cooper frowned. “He had an operation today, so that’s unfortunate for him because he was looking good in pre-season.”

Despite regularly featuring as a mainstay in the Leicester attack, Daka struggled for game time throughout the last season. He missed games while on international duty with Zambia and didn’t fit smoothly into Enzo Maresca’s gameplan last season. There was hope that he could bounce back to his usual form under new manager Steve Cooper, but his long-term injury will hamper his chances of getting regular gametime.

Daka joins tenured striker Jamie Vardy and center-back Conor Coady on the injury list. Although Cooper told media that Leicester had no plans to bring in any reinforcements ahead of the new seasons, reports have emerged that they could sign Spurs midfielder Oliver Skipp for around $25 million.

Ademola Lookman is still keen on leaving Atalanta. Two main parties have emerged as frontrunners in the race for his services — French giants PSG and Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed Al-Ahli. Al-Ahli recently sent star winger Allan Saint-Maximin on loan to Fenerbahce and have a hole in their left-wing slot. Lookman is the answer to their problems — Al-Ahli dreams of a Lookman-Ivan Toney-Riyad Mahrez attack. PSG manager Luis Enrique is very interested in Lookman, although PSG hasn’t sent in a bid yet. Lookman wasn’t part of Atalanta’s squad in their Sunday opener against Lecce.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has admitted that a move for club legend Wilfried Zaha is unlikely as the transfer market ticks on. Zaha reportedly wants to return to Palace after he left for Galatasaray last season, and he wasn’t part of Galatasaray’s squad in their 5-1 win over Konyaspor. However, Parish recently said that a transfer wouldn’t be possible for ‘various reasons’. Tax issues incurred by the UK’s income tax rules could make Zaha’s return to London difficult.

Nigeria striker Victor Boniface scored in Leverkusen’s German Supercup victory over Stuttgart, Leverkusen’s first Supercup victory ever. Boniface connected with an inswinging Aleix Garcia cross at the back post, heading home Leverkusen’s opener in the 11th minute. Leverkusen went on to win in penalties, with Burkinabé defender Edmond Tapsoba converting his penalty. Congolese winger Silas missed the final penalty for Stuttgart.

NAPLES, Italy — Although Napoli has tried to sell off Victor Osimhen since their Serie A campaign ended in May, they still haven’t found a place — or a price — for their superstar striker. Napoli’s $120 million price tag has driven away most interested parties, while a slow transfer market and an abundance of cheaper strikers have made it hard for Napoli to find a buyer. Napoli have lowered their demands to $120 million, attracting two frontrunners in the race for Osimhen — Chelsea and PSG.

PSG, missing Kylian Mbappé, have pursued Osimhen throughout the summer, even agreeing personal terms with the striker. However, they were turned off by Napoli’s high price tag and reasoned they could make do with strikers Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani.

However, in PSG’s 4-1 win over Le Havre, Ramos suffered a fractured ankle, ruling him out for at least three months. With the only semi-reliable striker being Kolo Muani, PSG has reopened the possibility of signing a new striker. Although they could sign attackers Rayan Cherki and Jadon Sancho, Victor Osimhen is their most important target.

Chelsea are also after Osimhen. Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency has pushed Enzo Maresca and crew to sign a new striker to compete with Jackson. They’re inches away from signing Joao Felix for $55 million and have been linked to Lille striker Jonathan David, but their pursuit of Osimhen will come first.

As it stands, Osimhen would rather go to PSG than Chelsea. Osimhen isn’t keen on a move to the Premier League. Chelsea’s financial woes, bloated squad, and lack of Champions League football don’t help their case.

Osimhen’s transfer to PSG will still hinge on PSG’s striker situation. PSG still needs a replacement for Ramos, but higher-ups at Parc des Princes are still waiting for an offer for Kolo Muani or Ramos to come through. With Napoli’s Serie A match against Verona set for Sunday, negotiations don’t look progressive at all.

Spurs have decided to suspend star midfielder Yves Bissouma for their Monday clash with Leicester after Bissouma was spotted inhaling nitrous oxide on social media. Bissouma released an apology for inhaling the class C drug, which carries a prison sentence of up to two years in prison. Bissouma, who scored in their 3-2 friendly loss to Bayern, called his ‘laughing gas’ usage a ‘severe lack of judgment’. Rodrigo Bentacur, who saw no punishment after a controversy involving teammate Son Heung-min, will likely replace him.

Seko Fofana, who signed for Al Nassr last year, will move to Al Ettifaq on loan for the 2024/25 season. The Ivorian midfielder and AFCON champion made 14 appearances for Al Ettifaq on loan last season, having arrived in January. Al Ettifaq views Fofana as a valuable addition in the midfield to pair alongside Georginio Wijnaldum. Al Nassr, who lost 4-1 in the Saudi Super Cup, will lean on a midfield three of Otavio, Talisca, and Abdulmajeed Al-Sulayhim.

Antoine Semenyo grabbed an 86th-minute equalizer to help Bournemouth take home a point away at Nottingham Forest. Forest couldn’t adequately clear Ryan Christie’s ball, sent across the face of the goal, and the ball bounced to Semenyo at the six-yard box and an open net. Semenyo smashed it home from close range to help Bournemouth get an improbable tie. The Cherries are seventh in the Premier League with one point as of writing.

LONDON — Chelsea wants to tie star striker Nicolas Jackson to a two-year extension to keep him in London until 2033. Jackson, who scored 17 goals and six assists in 44 appearances, led the line for Chelsea throughout the season. The Senegal striker suffered a serious sprained ankle while on international duty and is doubtful about playing in Chelsea’s Sunday matchup against City.

Jackson signed for Chelsea from Villarreal for around $41 million at the start of the season, meant to address the departures of Joao Felix and Kai Havertz. Despite criticism surrounding his finishing, Jackson finished with the second-most goals in the team, only behind Cole Palmer.

The rumored negotiations follow Palmer’s two-year extension to keep him with Chelsea until 2033. Although Jackson didn’t play in Chelsea’s tour of the United States due to injury, Chelsea wants to reward Jackson with a big payday.

Despite the extension, Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge seems murky. Jackson is still ‘disturbed’ about Mauricio Pochettino’s exit from Chelsea — he chalks up his improvement at Chelsea to Pochettino. He’s also felt negatively about Chelsea’s frenzied search for another striker. They still doggedly pursue Victor Osimhen, who could cost over nine figures to pry away from Napoli. They’ve also signed Barca prodigy Marc Guiu and have been linked to Felix, Viktor Gyokeres, and Ivan Toney.

Chelsea are set to take on defending Premier League champions Manchester City, with Jackson likely in tow. Jackson resumed full training with the team and played 34 minutes in a preseason draw against Inter.

AC Milan wants to offload Senegal left-back Fodé Ballo-Touré, per Italian insider Matteo Moretto. Milan is in a sticky financial situation — they can’t register their new signings without selling more players. Ballo-Touré, who has fallen out of the Milan rotation, is one of many on the chopping block. Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne are reportedly interested in Ballo-Touré. Both Milan and Ballo-Touré are interested in the deal, although no fee has been named.

After failing to sign Liverpool center-back Sepp van den Berg, PSV could turn to Nordsjælland defender Adamo Nagalo. Heralded as the latest gem coming out of Ghana’s Right to Dream academy, Nagalo has made 113 appearances for Nordsjaelland since signing three years ago, evolving into the Danish side’s first-choice center-back. The Burkinadbé brick wall could leave for the defending Eredivisie champions, with Southampton, Lens, and Lille also interested in the 21-year-old.

Despite heated transfer speculation, Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman started on the left wing in Atalanta’s 2-0 UEFA Super Cup loss to Real Madrid. Lookman, who completed two of five dribbles but failed to register a single shot on target, saw interest from Liverpool, Bayern, and Saudi club Al-Ittihad. Although Atalanta reportedly put a price tag of $77 million on Lookman, he could stay in Bergamo following the long-term injury of attacker Gianluca Scamacca.

NICE, France — Nice recently announced their acquisition of Al Ahly center-back Mohamed Abdelmonem. The $6 million fee is the second-most lucrative transfer Al Ahly has negotiated.

Abdelmonem is arguably the best defender playing in Africa. Abdelmonem boasts two Egyptian Premier Leagues and two CAF Champions Leagues and was part of the 2021 AFCON’s Team of the Tournament. Standing at 6’0, Abdelmonem physically dominates his peers, is unmatched in the air, and is composed on the ball.

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Abdelmonem’s contract with Al Ahly expired in June next month. Al Ahly, unwilling to lose their best player, for free, was eager to sell Abdelmonem off. The club brought in Qatar defender Yousef Aymen on loan from Al Duhail, while also signing FC Sochi left-back Yahia Attiyat Allah.

Nice signed Abdelmonem to address their gaping center-back hole after Jean-Clair Todibo left on loan to West Ham and Mattia Viti left on loan to Empoli. Abdelmonem was keen to play Europa League football and readily agreed personal terms with Nice. The Egyptian will likely see a starring role alongside captain Dante.

Nice will reportedly pay $4 million in installments, with an extra $1 million in performance-related bonuses.

Rangers are reportedly eyeing Mali starlet Mahamadou Diarra for a summer signing. Diarra joined Austrian club WSG Tirol just a year ago but has impressed in his limited minutes with the club. Diarra made 22 appearances for Tirol last season, scoring four goals and adding an assist. Rangers need assistance up top — their only reliable striker is journeyman attacker Cyriel Dessers. The Gers have already begun talks with Diarra’s agent and could pay $2.2 million for Diarra.

The New England Revolution officially announced their signing of Royal Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf. Yusuf, who has earned six caps with the Nigerian national team, will join the Revs for a $3.3 million fee. Yusuf previously earned transfer attention from the likes of West Ham and Milan, and the 24-year-old will see a major role with his MLS side. His contract will keep him in Foxborough until 2027, with a club option for 2028.

Al Ahly could sign Al Rayyan winger Sofiane Boufal after his stint in Qatar hasn’t gone to plan. Boufal, who boasts 46 caps for Morocco, suffered a pair of serious injuries with Al Rayyan and has made only 16 appearances in two seasons. Al Ahly is high on the winger and reportedly made preliminary contact with Boufal on Tuesday.

LONDON — Spurs are set to investigate star midfielder Yves Bissouma after Bissouma was seen inhaling nitrous oxide on Snapchat. Possessing nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a Class C drug under British law, meaning Bissouma could face up to two years in prison. Bissouma recently released his apology as Spurs head into their Premier League opener against Leicester City.

“I want to apologize for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgment,” Bissouma said. “I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.”

On Saturday, Bissouma posted himself inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon on Snapchat. Spurs said the situation would ‘be dealt with in an internal matter.’

Nitrous gas, nicknamed ‘hippy crack’, is popular among British youth. Users huff nitrous to get high and achieve euphoria, but the gas can induce suffocation and spinal cord damage. Kyle Walker reportedly huffed the gas back in 2013, while Dele Alli was photographed with nitrous canisters around a year ago. American rapper Ye is currently embroiled in allegations that he is addicted to the gas.

Bissouma has made 56 appearances for Spurs since joining the North London side in 2022. Bissouma has made a solid double pivot with rising talent Pape Matar Sarr, with the duo featuring in Spurs’ high-profile friendlies against Bayern and QPR.

Jérémie Boga reportedly pulled up injured in Nice’s friendly match against Premier League side Ipswich Town. Boga, who scored six goals and six assists in 29 appearances with Nice, will miss the start of their Ligue 1 campaign. Boga, who had recently been linked to Roma, pulled up mid-counterattack while clutching the back of his thigh. Although it’s not as bad of an injury as teammate Terem Moffi (out for the season with a torn ACL), he could miss Nice’s opener against Auxerre.

Zamalek and Egypt left-back Ahmed Fatouh has been detained following a fatal car accident. Fatouh’s car struck a police officer crossing the road, reportedly killing him interest. Fatouh tested positive for cannabinoids and has been detained at a police station in Egypt. The 26-year-old, who featured for Egypt in the 2021 AFCON final, told reporters he was ‘surprised to see him crossing the road in front of him’ and he called the ambulance immediately, but he died right after.

Ex-Toulouse defender Christian Mawissa recently inked a $17 million deal to sign with Monaco. Mawissa, who plays with France’s U19 squad but is eligible to play for DR Congo, made 17 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last season after breaking out of the Toulouse academy. Despite his lack of first-team experience, Monaco is high on the teenager’s potential. He’ll have to fight for minutes with the likes of Thilo Kehrer and Mohamed Salisu in the upcoming season.

PARIS — Former CAF president and high-ranking FIFA official Issa Hayatou died on Thursday, per reports. Hayatou died a day before his 78th birthday in Paris after succumbing to his long-running kidney problems. Hayatou is best known for his long presidency as CAF, along with his occasional controversy surrounding FIFA. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, along with several high-ranking FIFA and CAF officials, paid respects to the Cameroonian legend.

Hayatou spent 29 years as the head of CAF, stepping down in 2017. He was also a member of the FIFA Council, serving a short term as interim president during Sepp Blatter’s corruption case.

"Saddened to hear of the passing of former Caf president, former Fifa president ad interim, Fifa vice president and Fifa council member, Issa Hayatou," now-FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote. "A passionate sports fan, he dedicated his life to sports administration. On behalf of Fifa, condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him. Rest in peace."

Hayatou helped bring African football in the limelight. He introduced U17, U20, and women’s versions of AFCON, and helped make sure that AFCON was held in January-February despite pressure from FIFA and Europe’s top leagues. Most importantly, he increased African participation at the World Cup and helped South Africa host Africa’s first-ever World Cup in 2010. His quick thinking in 2010’s Togo national football team attack helped save lives.

However, Hayatou’s reign as president was riddled with controversy and corruption. The Sunday Times publicized claims from a whistleblower that Hayatou had received $1.5 million to endorse Qatar’s World Cup bid, while Hayatou allegedly took bribes in the 1990s about the awarding of World Cup television rights.

Hayatou was one of the biggest faces of African football during its meteoric rise to the top. After a falling-out with Infantino, the Infantino-backed candidate Ahmad Ahmad dethroned Hayatou. Since, CAF has gone through a serious of scandals and controversies.

Lens recently announced the acquisition of Fiorentina striker M’Bala Nzola on a season-long loan. Nzola made 47 appearances for Fiorentina last season, scoring seven goals and adding four assists. The Angola international is expected to lead the line for Lens if star striker Elye Wahi leaves this summer window.

After months of indecision and broken-down transfer talks, Victor Osimhen has officially requested a transfer away from Napoli. Osimhen saw links to PSG, and although Osimhen agreed personal terms for PSG, they pulled out of the transfer due to Napoli’s staggering $120 million asking price. Club director Giovanni Manna has given interested clubs a deadline of around 20 days to send bids for Osimhen. Chelsea, currently experiencing inconsistencies in their attack, is one of the most interested parties alongside Milan.

Algerian side CR Belouizdad has signed Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo. Mayo, who scored 11 goals in 31 appearances for Cape Town last season, will move to the Maghreb for $1.6 million. With the move, many analysts forecast that Mayo could break through to the Bafana Bafana. Mayo chose Belouizdad, set to compete in the Champions League’s qualifying rounds against AC Léopards on Sunday, over the likes of Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

BERGAMO, Italy — Newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester City reportedly wants Atalanta striker and Mali talisman El Bilal Touré. Touré, who struggled to take the pitch following a preseason hamstring injury, was Atalanta’s most expensive transfer ever. He joined Atalanta for around $32 million from Almeria last season.

Atalanta is shopping the striker around the market after Touré struggled to earn playing time in his first season in Bergamo. Although Gianluca Scamacca recently suffered a long-term ACL injury, Mateo Retegui, Ademola Lookman, and more will all occupy Atalanta’s number nine spot. Atalanta could also sign Everton striker Beto. The situation isn’t ideal for the developing Touré, who is similarly eager to leave Atalanta.

Leicester wants to boost their attack as they aim to avoid their drop in their first season back to the Premier League since getting relegated in 2023. They let longtime star Kelechi Iheanacho leave for Sevilla on a free transfer and don’t have many options past the Nigerian. They could be forced to lean on the oft-inconsistent Patson Daka, who hasn’t scored for Leicester in six months.

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Although Leicester shelled out $19 million to sign Issahaku Fatawu on a permanent deal, they’re still stuck with a void up top. The Foxes have marked Atalanta striker El Bilal Touré as their potential number nine.

Touré is a link-up player who best places as an out-and-out striker. He slots in as Leicester’s target man, a strong player who can win balls out of the air, finish chances with robotic efficiency, and create space for his teammates. He’s a willing runner who works hard, and he has the potential to be an elite Premier League striker. Leicester could pay around $30 million for Touré, which Atalanta would happily accept, considering they paid $24 million for Retegui earlier this summer.

Leicester will have to fight off interest from Everton, who could sign Touré if they lose one of Neal Maupay, Beto, or Dominic Calvert-Lewin. One of the Prem’s perennial basement-dwellers, Everton desperately needs a strong attack to escape the relegation zone. They’ve already spent around $20 million on Marseille striker Iliman Ndiaye, but the Toffees reportedly want more versatility and options in their striker role.

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Bournemouth is another candidate for Touré’s services. Bournemouth recently sold talisman Dominic Solanke to Spurs for a whopping $65 million. They’re one of the main faces in the race for Touré along with Stuttgart. Stuttgart and Touré agreed to personal terms last week, but after the Germans signed Denis Undav for $31 million, their deal now looks unlikely.

Noussair Mazraoui is reportedly inches away from agreeing to a $21 million move to Manchester United. The move follows Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s $19 million move to West Ham, which opens the depth and the funds for United to sign Mazraoui. Mazraoui will move to Manchester with teammate Mathijs de Ligt. De Ligt will move to United for around $55 million, hopefully putting an end to United’s center-back worries.

Al Ahly is reportedly hesitant about giving up defender Mohamed Abdelmonem to French side Nice. Al Ahly has reportedly asked for $4 million for Abdelmonem’s services. Abdelmonem, who has been crucial in Al Ahly’s Champions League-winning squad and the backbone of the Egyptian national team, is arguably the best defender playing in Africa. Nice wants Abdelmonem after they sent Jean-Clair Todibo on loan to West Ham.

MUNICH — Bayern wingback and Morocco talisman Noussair Mazraoui could join Manchester United. Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen on the right-back after his solid displays with Bayern. Mazraoui, whose contract will end in 2026, could join United for a price as high as $27 million.

Mazraoui joined Bayern from Ajax in 2022 on a free transfer. The Moroccan was largely recognized as one of the most promising wingbacks in the world upon his arrival, but he faced injury problems during his two-year stint. He also struggled to get on the field at times. Joshua Kimmich saw time at right-back, while manager Thomas Tuchel flirted with a back three at times.

With the arrival of defenders Hiroki Ito and Eric Dier and Bayern’s fear of losing Mazraoui for free, Bayern are eager to sell Mazraoui to another team. Bayern reportedly wants to negotiate a permanent deal or a loan with an obligation to buy for Mazraoui. Mazraoui is also keen on a potential deal, per sources inside Allianz Arena.

United is the biggest suitor for Mazraoui’s services. Ten Hag, who coached Mazraoui for four years before replacing Ole Gunnar Solksjær at United, wants Mazraoui because he feels that Mazraoui could reverse Antony’s poor form as of late. Mazraoui played with Antony under Ten Hag on the right flank and impressed. Antony has scored just three goals and two assists in 38 total appearances this season for United. However, they have to sell the Crystal Palace-linked Aaron Wan-Bissaka first.

United will have to fight off West Ham, who is searching for depth in the right-back slot. West Ham are the closest to reaching an agreement with Bayern for Mazraoui, but they’ll have to meet Bayern’s $22 million valuation. Manager Julen Lopetegui is also keen on Mazraoui and wants him at London Stadium.

Hellas Verona defender Jackson Tchatchoua (Cameroon) is fielding interest from Everton and Rennes. Verona reportedly wants $12 million for Tchatchoua, who made 27 appearances for the club last season. Everton saw their opening bid for the right-back rejected, and they’ll have to fight off Rennes, who tabled a $11 million offer for Tchatchoua, and West Ham, who view Tchatchoua as a Plan B for Mazraoui.

The Morocco Olympic squad recently sealed a controversial win over Argentina with the opening game of the group stage. After 15 minutes of extra time, Morocco fumbled their two-goal lead with one of the last kicks of the game. However, both teams were ushered off the field due to flares and beers thrown on the pitch. After two hours of waiting, security forced fans off the field, reviewed the winning goal, and found it offside. They then played the last three minutes of the match and hung on to win 2-1.

The South African Premier Division has announced their new sponsor after parting ways with broadcasters DStv. Betway has negotiated a $49.1 million deal with the league to become the league’s new sponsor. League chairman Irvin Khoza confirmed the season will start on August 3. The schedule will be released on Wednesday.

BERGAMO, Italy — Saudi club Al Ahli is reportedly targeting Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman for a deal that could cost upwards of $70 million. Al Ahli, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, could send in a bid for Lookman after sending out ex-Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin on loan to Trabzonspor. Al Ahli is the second Saudi club to table a bid for Lookman after Atalanta turned away Al Ittihad’s $65 million offer.

Lookman garnered attention from United, Chelsea, Juventus, Bayern, and more after an impressive Europa League final hat-trick. Lookman made 45 appearances for Atalanta, scoring 17 goals and ten assists. The first club to come knocking was Al-Ittihad, who made headlines last summer for splashing out $135 million on Fabinho, Jota, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and more.

Lookman agreed to Al-Ittihad’s $15 million-per-year proposal, which is six times more profitable than his current salary at Atalanta. However, Atalanta rejected Al-Ittihad’s $35 million offer. After signing Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa for $65 million, Al-Ittihad is no longer interested in Lookman.

Al-Ahli, who sent Saint-Maximin on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor, is reportedly interested in Lookman. Atalanta could demand upwards of $75 million for the attacker, but their price could be negotiated down considering the arrival of Milan’s Charles De Ketelaere. Lookman could be Atalanta’s most lucrative transfer ever, beating Rasmus Højlund’s $79 million transfer to United.

In other news, Lesley Ugochukwu has dropped out of France’s Olympic squad. The Nigeria-eligible midfielder completed a $29 million move to Chelsea from Rennes the past season but only made 15 appearances. Ugochukwu was one of four reserves that could be called upon in case of injury/illness. His withdrawal from France’s Olympic squad hints at a potential loan deal, with French side and Chelsea partners Strasbourg potentially in the mix.

Europe’s top five leagues could be getting its first African manager in Habib Beye. Former manager Patrick Vieira left Strasbourg on Thursday. Rumors swirling around Strasbourg have hinted at Strasbourg picking Beye as a manager. Beye, who made 134 appearances for Strasbourg as a manager, recently finished a three-year stint with Ligue 2 side Red Star FC. Sources inside Strasbourg have said that the club considers him an ideal replacement.

After a disappointing 23/24 season with Nottingham Forest where he only made 17 appearances, Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré could join Turkish side Fenerbahçe for a cut-price deal. Sangaré joined Forest for $39 million from PSV last summer window, but a mix of poor form and international duty made it hard for him to get consistent playing time at City Ground. Fenerbahçe manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly high on Sangaré, and the Turkish side will send a representative to England for preliminary talks.

KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia — Gabon winger Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang told Saudi Arabia reporters he was ‘happy’ and ‘excited’ to play with Al Qadsiah. Al Qadisah recently finalized a $10 million contract to bring Aubameyang to Saudi Arabia, the club’s second-most expensive transfer in history.

“I’m happy to be here, very excited too,” he told Al-Qadsiah in an interview. “I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, the team, the players, and this beautiful country too. I think we can do even better than last year and continue the progress already seen.”

Aubameyang played in a whopping 51 games for Marseille, scoring 30 goals and adding 11 assists. He finished fourth in Ligue 1’s Golden Boot race with 17 league goals, behind Alexandre Lacazette, Jonathan David, and Kylian Mbappé.

The 35-year-old’s contract with OM was due to expire in two seasons. With Marseille signing controversial winger Mason Greenwood and reportedly bidding for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and Inter attacking midfielder Valentín Carboni, they could afford to let Aubameyang go.

Aubameyang joins an Al Qadsiah side that earned promotion to Saudi Arabia’s first division last season. The side recently completed a $15 million deal for Club América striker Julián Quiñones and signed Nacho Fernandez, Wolfsburg keeper Koen Casteels, and Uruguay national team regular Nahitan Nández. Aubameyang figures to be the crown jewel of Al Qadsiah’s attack — they’ll need the former Premier League striker’s production to avoid an immediate drop back to the Saudi First Division League.

"It’s been an emotional year and I’d like to thank the whole club, the staff, my team-mates and our supporters. You’ve made me stronger and these memories with you will stay with me forever,” Aubameyang wrote on Instagram, addressing Marseille’s loyal fans.

"As you know, I’ve always followed my father’s advice, which has helped me to become the player I am, so we’ve made this decision for the rest of my career. It’s time for me to start a new chapter."

LYON — Nottingham Forest midfielder and Senegal international Moussa Niakhaté will sign a $35 million deal with French side Lyon. Niakhaté’s newest contract with the seven-time Ligue 1 side will extend until 2028.

Niakhaté made 37 appearances for Forest, including 24 in his recent season. A left-sided, no-nonsense center-back, Niakhaté is athletic and a strong tackler. However, injuries disrupted his first season at Forest, and he found it difficult to break through Forest’s starting eleven past center-backs Willy Boly and Murillo.

Niakhaté’s transfer will be Lyon’s most expensive of all time, beating their $27 million deal for Angers midfielder Jeff Reine-Adélaïde in 2019.

“Everything happened very quickly. Two days ago, I was in Abu Dhabi, I was about to go to Zanzibar,” Niakhate told Lyon’s YouTube channel. “I had a thought when someone spoke to me about OL. It’s funny because I was in Dubai five days ago and recognized someone from behind. with his gait, his bowed legs.

“It was [Algerian midfielder] Houssem Aouar. He told me a lot of good things about Lyon. The opinions were unanimous,” he continued.

The signing follows Lyon’s $19 million deal for fellow Forest teammate Orel Mangala.

The transfer is an objective win for Forest, who profited around $13 million through Niakhaté. Niakhaté, who struggled to nail down an important role in Forest’s center-back rotation, wasn’t a key part of Forest’s season. With the transfer, Forest will be able to comply with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules, meaning they can’t have losses over $134 million over three years.

Forest was in danger of violating the rule with a key transfer window coming up, and punishments like points deductions and fines were expected.

However, the transfer gives Forest some breathing room, allowing them to pursue potential transfer targets and buy time as they consider offers worth more than $90 million for Murillo.

ROME — Italian club Lazio recently announced the arrival of Nigerian attacker Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. After completing his medical on Friday, Dele-Bashiru will sign a loan deal with Lazio, with a $7 million option to buy permanently. Dele-Bashiru arrives at Stadio Olimpico following the departures of Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson.

Dele-Bashiru made 39 appearances for Turkish side Hatayspor, scoring nine goals and assisting six others while steering Hatayspor out of the relegation zone in the Turkish Super Lig. Dele-Bashiru was a key cog of the team, generating the most goal contributions of his team.

“SS Lazio announces that it has acquired temporarily with an obligation to buy the rights to the sporting performances of the footballer Oluwafisayo Faruq Dele-Bashiru from Atakaş Hatayspor FK", the club announced on X, the platform formally known as Twitter.

Dele-Bashiru, a versatile attacker with experience at attacking midfielder and both winger slot, stands at 6’1. His technically skilled, with his ability to launch long shots and completing long, winding dribbles prized by Lazio. However, he’s equally athletic. Dele-Bashiru is a hard-worker, and his tall frame helps him win headers and outmuscle defenders.

Dele-Bashiru has limited experience with the national team, having won only two caps with the Super Eagles. He made his debut in October, playing 61 minutes in a friendly 3-2 win over Mozambique. His second cap came in a vital, controversial 1-1 draw against South Africa. He scored Nigeria’s equalizer, receiving an Alex Iwobi pass with his back to goal, cleverly turning past his marker, and blasting a shot to the bottom left corner.

UYO, Nigeria — Nigeria assistant coach Daniel Amokachi stepped down from his role merely 24 hours before Nigeria’s vital match against South Africa. Reporters believe the dispute stems from the complicated contract situation and financial woes the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) suffers from.

Amokachi, who won 44 caps with the Super Eagles as a player, recently asked to be excused from Nigeria’s Friday match due to poor health. However, many correspondents close to the NFF believe that Amokachi’s absence stems from pay disputes and tensions with interim coach Finidi George.

“Amokachi may not be part of the technical crew after all because he feels Finidi was disrespecting him by saying he can only be the second assistant coach,” sources told Gistmania.

“You remember that Amokachi applied for the position of Chief Coach before it was given to Finidi, and the NFF feels he could help the system. There was no clarity as to his designation when they were unveiled and the NFF has been unable to get Finidi to accept Amokachi as his immediate righthand man.

“Amokachi has stayed away from the team but the Ministry of Sports has waded in asking the former assistant to the late Stephen Keshi to accept his new role.”

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Reporters at The Guardian allege that Amokachi’s grievances aren’t with George but with the NFF itself. The NFF doesn’t pay its assistants in permanent contracts, rather giving them ‘invitational allowances’. Amokachi reportedly requested a contract, but due to rampant inflation in Nigeria, the NFF rejected his request.

“Amokachi did not have any problem working with Finidi George as widely rumored by many Nigerians. The problem has to do with NFF, who are not willing to offer detailed contracts to him,” journalist Kayode Thomas told The Guardian. “Amokachi demanded a contract, which Gusau and his cronies were not willing to offer. How can you expect a legend like Amokachi to live based on invitational allowances as a Super Eagles assistant coach? That is not possible.”

Nigeria will face South Africa in a vital match to help decide who will get a 2026 World Cup berth tomorrow at 7 PM GMT, 3 PM EST.

In other news, Ivorian center-back Bamo Meïte will permanently sign with Marseille in a $11.5 million coup. The Ivory Coast U23 center-back made 27 appearances with Marseille this season on loan from Lorient.

Leicester will make their sign Ghanaian winger Issahaku Fatawu permanently after a season-long loan in the Championship. Fatawu registered 13 assists and seven goals in 40 appearances for the Foxes en route to a title win.

Besiktas will also sign one of their star players permanently after triggering Libyan midfielder Al-Musrati’s buy clause. Widely considered one of Libya’s greatest footballers ever, Al-Musrati made 33 appearances for the Istanbul club.

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Equatorial Guinea captain and AFCON 2023 top scorer Emilio Nsue was never eligible to play for Equatorial Guinea, per a 15-page statement FIFA released yesterday. Equatorial Guinea was stripped of its first two victories in World Cup qualifying, giving them tough odds to qualify for its first World Cup ever.

The FIFA report states that Equatorial Guinea went through a confusing process to gain approval from the Spanish FA to free him from their national team. The Equatoguinean FA (FEGUIFOOT) reportedly asked Spain, not FIFA, to release Nsue. Additionally, Nsue didn’t gain Equatoguinean nationality until after he played with the Spanish youth team, giving FIFA the grounds to reject his nationality switch.

Nsue allegedly submitted a fake passport to FIFA stating he was born in Malabo rather than Palma de Mallorca.

Nsue played in two World Cup qualifying games for Equatorial Guinea upon gaining approval from Spain, both of which were voided by FIFA due to the lack of formal authorization. Nsue continued to play for Equatorial Guinea despite FIFA’s rejection and the voided results.

He also participated in the 2015, 2021, and 2023 AFCONs: outside tournaments organized by CAF rather than FIFA. His Golden Boot at the most recent AFCON, where he scored five goals in four appearances, gave him new publicity and likely reminded FIFA of his open case.

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FIFA gave Nsue six days to respond to their accusations, but Nsue did not respond. They ruled that the FC Intercity striker will serve a six-month ban from international football and that Equatorial Guinea will pay a fine of around $169,000. Equatorial Guinea will also forfeit its first two World Cup qualifying matches, leaving them in last place with zero points.

Judges explained that no action would be taken for AFCON qualifying because the 2026 World Cup was an ongoing competition.

The ruling follows a tumultuous series of events that saw police officers getting involved in a Nsue-led confrontation, a viral Instagram rant, and FEGUIFOOT indefinitely suspended Nsue.

In other news:

• Sudan will start a four-team Sudanese Super League in light of the country’s current civil war. Al Hilal Omdurman, Al Merriekh, Al Wadi, and Tuti will take part.

• Al Ahly will announce the ‘project of the century today’, with a new stadium, museum, hotel, and mall planned in Cairo. The new stadium will have a maximum capacity of 60,000.

• Europa League hat-trick hero Ademola Lookman — along with Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Paul Onuachu, and four more — will likely miss Nigeria’s training camps in Uyo due to a nationwide strike that has heavily impacted domestic flights. Their availability for their Friday match against South Africa is unknown.

UYO, Nigeria — Starting Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali told reporters that South Africa didn’t have the same quality as Nigeria. Nwabali, the starting keeper for Chippa United, is slated to win his 12th cap for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will face South Africa in Uyo in a World Cup qualification match on Friday. It will be a vital game — taking points would likely take the winner into the top two places and give them a huge boost to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Nwabali and the Super Eagles previously faced South Africa in the 2023 AFCON semi-finals. The game went down to the wire after South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena scored a penalty in stoppage time. The game went down to penalties, where Nwabali made two huge saves to take Nigeria to the finals.

“Football is the same everywhere but I don’t feel with the kind of players we have, we can have any challenge in any game, especially in our group,” Nwabali told Lagos Talks on 91.3 FM. “But you cannot predict football.

“Talking about South African players I would say I know them. We have good players in our country too so I’m not talking about those guys, they are good in their own way of playing. I’m not talking about them because if we can put ourselves together, they cannot match us.”

Nwabali is joined in the Nigeria squad by ex-starter Maduka Okoye, who has broken through in the first team and found playing time at Udinese. Enyimba stopper Ojo Olorunleke also joins the squad.

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Nigeria is currently third in their World Cup qualifying group, outside a potential World Cup berth. Consecutive draws against the likes of Lesotho and Zimbabwe raise concerns for a troubled Super Eagles squad, and interim coach Finidi George will need at least four points this window to steer the team back on track.