Sport
Chelle urges FIFA to decide on Mokoena’s ineligible match before facing South Africa
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has urged FIFA to take swift action over the ongoing controversy surrounding South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena. He warns that the delay is creating unnecessary tension ahead of Nigeria’s crunch World Cup qualifier.
Mokoena, a key midfielder for Bafana Bafana, is accused of playing in March’s qualifier against Lesotho when he should have been suspended after picking up multiple yellow cards. South Africa went on to win that game 2–0, a result that strengthened their position at the top of Group C.
If FIFA rules that Mokoena was indeed ineligible, South Africa could face sanctions, including a possible three-point deduction or the overturning of that result. This decision could significantly alter the group standings and improve Nigeria’s chances of qualification.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash with South Africa, Chelle said, “I’m just a coach, I lead my team. But there’s an organisation called FIFA, and they have to handle this matter. They need to act quickly so everyone knows where they stand.”
Despite this, he insists that his focus remains on the pitch. “My concern is my players. They are focused, and we need to concentrate on our own performance, not the noise outside the game,” he said.
Former footballer Thierry Henry has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s match following their loss to Atlético Madrid on October 13.
Speaking during a brief interview on CBS Sports, Henry criticised the practice of players or coaches expressing certain opinions through the media instead of addressing issues directly within the dressing room.
“I’m not a coach anymore, but I always say, whoever speaks like that, out. Keep that in the dressing room, it’s as simple as that,” Henry said on CBS Sports.
“That is the only way it can work. You have to say those things to a person’s face… going through the press, I am not really a fan of that.”
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, revealing that he hopes the winner will come from his team.
The manager spoke about how hard his players have worked and expressed his belief that they deserve the recognition.
“What I hope is that we win this trophy. We have players who deserve it.”
“Last year, we were the best team. We showed that it wasn’t just Ousmane Dembélé who deserved it.”
French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.
Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.
Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.
“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”
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