V ictor Osimhen will spearhead Nigeria's attack as the Super Eagles begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Eric Chelle named the Galatasaray striker in his 24-man squad for the crucial qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau four days later. Osimhen remains the focal point of the team as Nigeria pushes to secure an early advantage in the qualifying series. The coach has also freshened up the squad with three first-time call-ups and two returning regulars. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena have earned debut invitations, while Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina are back in the fold. Others listed for the two games include Maduka Okoye, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredericks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu ...

T here's a familiar buzz around England's camp this week, and it's easy to see why. Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally back. It's been well over a year since June 2025 since the former Liverpool man last pulled on an England shirt, and now, wearing Real Madrid colours, he's earned his way back into manager Thomas Tuchel's plans. Then there's Cole Palmer, whose return feels like the bigger story. Not long ago, Palmer's absence from England's World Cup squad set off a storm of questions. Many wondered how a player of his talent could be left home while his teammates flew out to chase glory. He watched, like everyone else, as England battled all the way to the semi-finals before Argentina brought the run to an end. Now, he gets his shot to prove that snub wrong. It's not just about the comebacks, though. There's genuine excitement building around some new names too. Rio Ngumoha, barely out of his teens, turned heads with a lively debut against N...

C ristiano Ronaldo will continue his journey with Portugal after new head coach Jorge Jesus included him in the squad for the upcoming international fixtures. The inclusion settles recent talk about Ronaldo's international future, as Jesus begins his spell in charge of the national team. At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal's all-time top scorer and most capped player. His experience will be vital as the team enters a fresh Nations League campaign. Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed the development on X on Friday, stating: "Cristiano Ronaldo will continue with Portugal national team! He's been called up for the upcoming games by new head coach Jorge Jesus." Portugal are in League A, Group 4 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, alongside Wales, Norway and Denmark. They will host Wales in their opening match on September 24, then travel to Norway on September 27. The team will play away to Denmark on October 1, before welcoming Norway at home on October 4...