Former Barcelona director Ramon Planes has sent a clear message to young star Lamine Yamal, urging him to stay grounded despite the growing hype around his name, especially talks of him winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

Planes, who once played a key role behind the scenes at Barça, believes the 17-year-old still has a long way to go before being crowned the world’s best. He stressed that while Yamal’s rise has been remarkable, fans and the media need to be careful not to pile unnecessary pressure on him.

“There’s no doubt about his talent, but the real challenge is staying at that level for years,” Planes told Mundo Deportivo, as shared by Barca Universal. “We have to protect him and let him grow at his own pace. If he keeps performing like this for seasons to come, then we can start talking about awards like the Ballon d’Or. But right now, patience is key.”

Yamal has been making headlines with his incredible performances for both Spain and Barcelona. The teenager played a huge role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and also helped Barça secure four trophies last season, including the LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana.

Since breaking into Barcelona’s senior team under Xavi Hernandez in April 2023 at just 15 years old, Yamal has consistently proven himself as one of football’s brightest young prospects. Last season, he racked up 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches across all competitions, leaving many convinced he deserves to be recognised among the best in the world.

But Planes insists it’s still early days for the young forward, and the football world must give him time to develop without overwhelming expectations.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria kicked off their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) journey with a confident 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday. Nigeria wasted no time making their mark, with Asisat Oshoala heading in a brilliant cross from Omorinsola Babajide just four minutes into the match.

Coach Justine Madugu’s side controlled the game from start to finish, keeping Tunisia quiet and leaving goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with little to worry about. Deborah Abiodun almost doubled the lead before halftime after dancing past Tunisia’s defence, but the goalkeeper denied her.

Babajide eventually made it 2-0 just before the break with a calm finish, though Ashleigh Plumptre’s goal moments later was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. At the start of the second half, Madugu made changes, bringing on Chiwendu Ihezuo, Christy Ucheibe, and Esther Okoronkwo for Oshoala, Abiodun, and Babajide.

The Super Falcons remained dominant, with Plumptre and Osinachi Ohale both going close to adding to the scoreline. Ihezuo finally sealed the win, firing home Nigeria’s third goal with six minutes left on the clock. The nine-time African champions will now turn their attention to their next group game against Botswana on Wednesday.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has assured fans that the team is ready to fight for glory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament kicks off today with hosts Morocco facing Ghana’s Copper Queens in the opening match.

Nigeria will begin their campaign on Sunday against Tunisia at the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. This will be only the second time both teams are meeting at WAFCON, with their first clash in 2008 ending goalless in Equatorial Guinea. The Super Falcons, who had a disappointing outing three years ago finishing fourth, are determined to bounce back and go for their tenth continental title.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ajibade expressed confidence in the squad’s mindset. “We’re happy to be here and ready to give our all,” she said during a recent CAF webinar. “We know the road won’t be easy, but we’re prepared to give it everything.”