Sport
Osayi-Samuel Says Super Eagles Can Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup if They Stay United
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has expressed confidence that Nigeria still has a strong shot at qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the slow start to their qualifying campaign.
Speaking to journalists during the final of the second edition of the Bright Osayi Football Tournament for under-13 players, held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Fenerbahçe star shared his belief in the team’s ability to bounce back.
According to him, the players are determined to fight for qualification and are fully behind head coach Eric Chelle’s vision. “I believe we can still make it. The goal is to go out and win every match,” Osayi-Samuel said. “It won’t be easy, but we believe in ourselves and the team.”
He added that with the right mindset and unity, the Super Eagles can turn their situation around. The Nigerian international also praised Chelle, describing him as a brilliant coach whose style the team has embraced. “For me, the coach is doing a great job. His approach, the way he wants us to press and run, the entire team is on board with it,” he explained.
Osayi-Samuel pointed to their recent solid performance against a tough Russian side, mentioning that progress is being made. “In our last match against Russia, we held our ground against a team that had gone unbeaten in six or seven games. If we keep pushing together, I believe we have a real chance,” he concluded.
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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