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.
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.”
Former Manchester City player David Silva has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or and revealed who he believes could win the prestigious award.
During a recent interview, the former midfielder was asked who he thinks will win the award, and he named Fabian Ruiz.
Silva’s choice sparked reactions from fans, especially as he did not mention Barcelona star Lamine Yamal as one of his picks.
“For me, teamwork is the most important thing, because without it you cannot win. If I had to give the Ballon d’Or to someone, it would be Fabian, because he has won the most titles in the last two years.
“He does not get enough recognition, I do not know why, because he is a wonderful player. I admire him a lot.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team remains uncertain following his sudden departure from the squad ahead of the team’s Nations League match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old forward left the national team camp after he was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and was informed that he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo later said he would explain his decision to leave the camp at a later time.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has since said the door remains open for Ronaldo to return to the national team. Jesus said the decision ultimately rests with Ronaldo, while the Portuguese Football Federation has also described the situation as a misunderstanding.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances, and his next decision could determine how his international career ends.
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