President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full payment of the Super Falcons’ match bonuses and allowances ahead of their big game. As the team prepares to take on Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, this move is seen as a major morale booster.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, confirmed the news while speaking to the press, saying all payments have been released and are ready for immediate distribution to both players and officials. The final is set to take place this Saturday at the Olympic Stadium, with the Falcons aiming to bring the trophy home.

Turkish football pundit Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı believes Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will shine brightly in Turkey, predicting he’ll score at least 30 goals in the Super Lig this season for Galatasaray. Speaking on Ekol Sports’ YouTube channel, Kütahyalı praised Osimhen’s resilience and talent, saying the striker endured a tough time at Napoli but is now stepping into a more welcoming environment in Istanbul.

“Osimhen is not your average player, he’s a force,” Kütahyalı said. “He’s already settled into Turkish football and Galatasaray has embraced him. That kind of love brings out something special in a player.” The pundit is also backing the 26-year-old to bag 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League, adding that Galatasaray must aim for at least a quarterfinal finish this season.

Barcelona’s newest signing, Marcus Rashford, has shared his admiration for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, calling his performances beyond extraordinary for someone so young.

Speaking during a chat with Spanish YouTuber xBuyer in Marbella, Rashford couldn’t hide his amazement at what the 17-year-old is doing on the pitch. He said it’s hard to describe just how impressive Yamal’s talent is, noting that at his age, players aren’t usually pulling off the kind of moves Yamal makes look easy.

Rashford, who joined Barcelona on a one-season loan, reflected on his own early days in football, recalling that he didn’t break into the professional scene until he was 18. For him, watching Yamal already holding his own at the highest level is something rare and special.

Now preparing to join the squad for the new season, the England forward is excited to play alongside Yamal, saying it’s every footballer’s dream to share the field with a talent like him. He didn’t hold back in his praise, describing Yamal as “the best.”