Football

Sixteen football clubs in Enugu State will be locking horns in the 2018 edition of state’s Federation Cup.

Federation Cup competitions at the states’ are a prelude to the National Federation Cup, which comprises of 62 teams.

Francis Ugwu, Secretary of Enugu State Football Association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu that the state’s Federation Cup matches would be a 21-day fiesta.

Real Madrid’s in-form Spanish maestro, Isco has been deemed unfit to face unfit to face Bayern Munich in Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg, despite his admirable hope of playing through the pain barrier, MARCA reports. A painkilling injection had been contemplated by the midfielder as he sought to overcome a shoulder sprain picked up in last week's trip to Bavaria, however Monday's training session produced negative results on his recovery.

2026 World Cup: FIFA Blows Whistle On Trump’s Threat

President Donald Trump’s threat to nations against a U.S. bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup has prompted FIFA, soccer’s governing body to refer to guidelines that warn against political influence overbids.

Morocco is the only rival to a joint bid to stage the event from the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the FIFA Congress due to choosing the hosts in Moscow on June 13.

“The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup,” Trump tweeted.

“It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?”

Carlo Ancelotti has turned down the offer to take over as Italy coach, according to press reports on Sunday. Italy have been without a permanent coach since Gian Piero Ventura was sacked after the four-time champions failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after losing to Sweden in a two-legged playoff in November.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has said his side will look to attack Bayern Munich quickly in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg as they seek to remain on course for an unprecedented third consecutive European Cup. Real hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg in Germany last week, however the Frenchman insists the job is nowhere near complete.

Roy Hodgson Proud Of His Players After Crystal Palace's Big Win Against Leicester

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson was proud of the efforts of his players as they hammered Leicester City 5-0 to boost their Premier League survival bid.

Palace had looked like a team destined for relegation after losing their opening seven Premier League fixtures without scoring a goal but they've now climbed to 11th and six points clear of the bottom three, where only Southampton are capable of catching them.

The in-form Wilfried Zaha again excelled and scored their opening goal, after which further finishes from James McArthur, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Patrick van Aanholt, and Christian Benteke's penalty, secured the three points which has seen them take a giant step towards safety.