Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has backed midfielder Vitinha to win the Ballon d’Or after a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain. Vitinha played a key role in PSG’s incredible treble-winning campaign, helping them secure the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League, Martinez praised the midfielder’s impact. “Vitinha has been vital to PSG’s success this season,” he said. “He’s been at the heart of everything they’ve achieved. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.” Despite Martinez’s strong support for Vitinha, many see his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele as the current frontrunner for the award.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, remains hopeful that Nigeria can still secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a rough start to the qualifiers. The team, currently sitting fourth in their group and trailing leaders South Africa by six points, faces a tough road ahead. With four games left, Chelle believes there’s still enough time to turn things around.

Nigeria’s recent victory at the Unity Cup in London has given the squad a much-needed morale boost. As they gear up for the crucial September and October qualifiers, Chelle is urging his players to raise their game. Reviewing their Unity Cup performance, he said, “We scored goals, created chances, and showed positive signs. What matters is playing as one – both in attack and defence.”

He stressed the need for more growth, not just in skill but in mindset. “We need to keep improving physically and mentally,” he said. “We have to become real warriors on the pitch.” The Super Eagles will host Rwanda in Uyo before heading to South Africa for their next qualifiers.

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has urged Victor Osimhen to avoid a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Mikel Obi described it as a “shame” if Osimhen were to join a Middle Eastern club, believing the striker still has plenty to offer at the highest level in Europe.

Osimhen is set to return to Napoli after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted an impressive 37 goals in 41 games. The 26-year-old is widely expected to make a permanent transfer before the start of the 2025/2026 season.

“I’m hoping he gets a chance to play in the Premier League this summer,” Mikel Obi told Metro. “I don’t want to see him heading to Saudi Arabia right now because his talent deserves to shine in Europe. “It would be a real shame to see him go there. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG could be good options for him. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”