Sport
Khumalo Confident as Bantwana Aim To Secure World Cup Spot Against Nigeria
Bantwana of South Africa head coach, Ntombifuthi Khumalo, is determined to lead her team to the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Khumalo’s squad will face Nigeria’s Flamingos in the first leg of their second qualifying round at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday. Kick-off is set for 3 pm local time (2 pm in Nigeria).
Bantwana had a dominant run in the first round, crushing Gabon 22-1 on aggregate. However, Khumalo knows Nigeria will be a much tougher opponent.
“We are focused on getting to the World Cup,” Khumalo told safa.net. “Our plan is to manage each 15-minute period carefully, focusing on our defense to avoid conceding.”
She added that her team will play with an aggressive mindset. “We will press high and create scoring chances because we can’t win without attacking. But our main priority is to stay solid at the back and avoid conceding.”
Khumalo also mentioned that her team has worked on tactical adjustments, especially focusing on defense and pressing high up the pitch. The overall winner from this tie will advance to the final qualifying round.
Fenerbahçe have entered the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, a player Galatasaray are hoping to bring back this summer. Reports from Ekol Sports reveal that Fenerbahçe’s president, Ali Koç, has tabled the highest offer so far to Napoli in an attempt to lure the Nigerian forward to their squad.
Galatasaray, who had Osimhen on loan last season, are also keen to keep him permanently. The 25-year-old played a vital role in their success last season, helping the club secure both the Turkish Cup and the Super Lig title. Although Galatasaray have made their offer, they’re still waiting for Osimhen to make a final decision.
The Super Eagles star is currently on summer break and hasn’t revealed where he plans to play next season. Several top clubs across Europe and beyond are monitoring his situation. Aside from Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Saudi giants Al Hilal have all shown interest.
However, sources close to Osimhen say his first option is to rejoin Galatasaray on a permanent deal, but only if a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs doesn’t materialize during this summer transfer window.
Former Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has shared his top picks for this year’s Ballon d’Or. With the winner set to be announced in September, many names are in the running, but Figo believes three players stand out.
The Portuguese icon pointed to Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha as his favourites to take home football’s biggest individual honour. “All three had incredible seasons with their clubs,” Figo said in a chat with Sport Bible.
He added, “There are plenty of players who deserve it based on how they performed. But in the end, it depends on what matters more; your individual stats or the trophies you’ve won.” Figo also admitted the final decision is out of his hands, saying, “It’s not up to me, but I personally like players like Lamine, Vitinha, and Dembele; they’ve all been outstanding this season.”
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his desire to have Kylian Mbappe and Endrick back on the pitch as soon as possible. Ancelotti shared his thoughts after Los Blancos sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over RB Salzburg in the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia.
Both Mbappe and Endrick missed the game, with Mbappe sidelined due to gastroenteritis and Endrick still nursing a hamstring injury. “We want Mbappe back fully fit,” Ancelotti said after the match. “I can’t say for sure if he’ll feature on Tuesday against Juventus, but we’re hopeful.”
He also gave an update on Endrick’s condition, saying, “He’s still recovering, but we expect him to join the squad in the US for training. I’m counting on him for what’s ahead.”
