Banyana coach Desiree Ellis to prioritise squad management and youth integration ahead of Wafcon

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has placed a strong emphasis on squad management at the upcoming Wafcon in Morocco later this month, saying they will do their best to control how they usher new players into the team.

Ellis put her head on the block and named her final 26-member squad to represent the nation at Wafcon. While most of the senior players are returning for yet another major tournament, there are also several relatively new faces.

The 63-year-old’s choices were understandable. Banyana will return to the event not only eager to make up for last year’s disappointing fourth-place finish, but also needing to secure a convincing top-four finish to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

By Mihlali Baleka

Full story at IOL

'I'd love to go back to school and earn a university degree' — Victor Osimhen explains why, opens up on his post-football plans

Victor Osimhen says he hopes to return to school and earn a university degree after retiring from football, stressing that a football career only lasts about 20 to 25 years.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed that one of his biggest ambitions after retiring from professional football is to return to school and earn a university degree, saying a football career does not last forever.

The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward made the disclosure during an interview with Instablog TV, where he reflected on life beyond football and encouraged young people to prioritise education despite his own unconventional path to success.

By Rukayat Badmus

Full story at Pulse NG

America's second-favorite team: Who to root for now that the USMNT is out of the World Cup

Whether you're shamelessly hopping on a bandwagon or trying to soothe the pain of a Round of 16 loss, here's who to cheer on in the next round.

It's been two days since the United States men's national team fell to Belgium in the Round of 16, after a disappointing 4-1 loss. But the World Cup keeps on trucking, with the quarterfinals beginning on Thursday, and U.S. fans will try to move on as well.

For USMNT fans who have gotten over their grief — or those who hope to overcome it by watching even more soccer — it's a perfect time to pick a new, arbitrary team to root for in the next round. Eight teams remain, six of them UEFA, one CAF and one CONMEBOL.

By Karl Anderson

Full story at Yahoo News

Declan Rice unfazed by challenges posed by Mexico

Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer,
Mexico City

Declan Rice says England are ready to cope with whatever Mexico throw at them in Sunday’s World Cup encounter at the electric Estadio Azteca.

From unabated hostility to playing at high altitude, Thomas Tuchel’s side expect to face a variety of obstacles as they seek to keep alive their quest to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes in immortality.

England dealt with an additional headache just before flying to Mexico City as FIFA discussed whether to move the last-16 clash to an earlier kick-off time due to the risk of weather disruption.

By Simon Peach

Full story at Yahoo News

Eustaquio sends Canada through in World Cup win over South Africa: Live updates and reaction

(Bafana-Bafana and Hugo Broos sent back to their villages)

Canada are through to the round of 16 after a late strike from Stephen Eustaquio.

Canada have won a World Cup knockout match for the first time and are through to the last 16 after a 1-0 win over South Africa.

Stephen Eustaquio was Canada’s hero as he broke the deadlock in injury time with a fine low shot from outside the box.

Canada had dominated their round of 32 match but it appeared destined for extra time, with South Africa defending heroically.

By Luke Brown

Full story at NY Times.

Transfer News: Super Eagles star tracked by clubs in England, Spain and Italy

Nigeria international midfielder Christantus Uche is the subject of transfer interest for a number of clubs.

Christantus Uche has emerged as a sought-after transfer target this summer, with Italian heavyweights AC Milan reportedly leading the charge to secure the 23-year-old Nigerian midfielder's signature.

Uche is set to return to Getafe at the end of June 2026 following a frustrating season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace.

By Faruq Ibrahim

Full story at Pulse NG.

England camp sheltering indoors amid ‘deadly’ tornado warning in Kansas City

England players were confined to indoors amid a “deadly” tornado warning on their first evening in Kansas City.

Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived in the Midwest on Saturday lunchtime after a day and a half off in Florida and held a community training session at their Swope Soccer Village base in blazing sunshine at 5pm local time (11pm BST).

But a heavy storm moved in during the early evening and thousands of people in the local area, including the England camp, received an emergency alert on their phones, warning them to take shelter.

By Jonathan Veal.

Full story at Yahoo  News.