Author: wisdom

2. Atoning for failing to qualify for World Cup 2026 Peseiro was also the manager when Nigeria commenced their campaign to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but failed to navigate the best start possible. Chelle wrapped the qualification series up last month, also with a less than desirable outcome, as DR Congo shockingly ended any lingering Nigerian hopes of reaching the showpiece that kicks off in North America next year. Until now, since their impressive FIFA World Cup debut in 1994, Nigerians have never had to endure the absence of their team from successive editions of the Mundial, but such…

By DANIEL MATTHEWS, US SENIOR SPORTS WRITER Published: 07:21 EST, 16 December 2025 | Updated: 07:49 EST, 16 December 2025 Arch Manning has decided to return to Texas for a fourth season rather than enter the 2026 NFL draft, according to reports.The 21-year-old, the latest quarterback prospect in football’s most famous family, was once tipped as a possible No 1 overall pick in the class of 2026.But, according to 247 Sports, Manning is expected to be back in Austin for the 2026 campaign.The redshirt sophomore – the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Super Bowl winners Peyton and Eli Manning -…

Not gonna lie, I feel pretty good about how these rankings performed in Week 15. We got six of the top 10 defenses correct again, with a few obvious ones like the Eagles, Texans, and Jaguars, but I was also much higher than consensus on the Bears, Chargers, and Chiefs, so those were nice hits. I also had the Ravens ranked 11th against the Bengals, and they finished in the top 10, and I faded the 49ers down to 13th when they were consensus ranked 5th. They finished outside of the top 20 defenses on the week. I think that…

JUMP TO:African football giants Egypt and Nigeria will undertake their final AFCON preparations with a friendly meeting in Cairo on Tuesday.Egypt are the most successful team in Africa Cup of Nations history, with seven successes. However, the last of these triumphs was back in 2010, and Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah would dearly love to add a major international trophy to his glittering career haul.Nigeria are still smarting from World Cup qualifying elimination and head coach Eric Chelle will need a strong showing in Morocco, if not victory outright, to hold onto his job.The Sporting News will provide live score updates…

Ed DoveDec 15, 2025, 08:09 AM ETCloseEd Dove is a writer and scout who has a deep and enduring passion for African sport, politics and literature. Instagram: @EddyDove22, Facebook: @EddyDoveAfricaThe Africa Cup of Nations brings together the continent’s top players to battle for CAF’s grandest prize, but whether it’s through injury, fallouts, failure to qualify, or a myriad of other reasons, not all of Africa’s biggest names will be present in Morocco for this month’s tournament.Ahead of the competition’s kickoff on Sunday, here’s ESPN’s African XI of players who WON’T be attending AFCON 2025.Despite being named in the tournament squad…

The Egyptian national football team, led by coach Hossam Hassan, is preparing for a crucial and challenging friendly match against Nigeria on Tuesday, as part of their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt will be relying on home advantage and the support of their fans, in addition to the talented players in Hassan’s squad. The Nigerian team, meanwhile, hopes to secure a valuable victory against Egypt and upset Hassan’s team on their home turf and in front of their supporters. The Nigerian national team relies on its squad brimming with world-class talent, including players like Lookman, Iwobi,…

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of talented international athletes to the 2026 IPP program,” said NFL Director of International Football Development Patrick Long. “The IPP program is a key component of the growth of our game globally, providing a pathway for these elite athletes, a number of whom have gone on to achieve tremendous success in the NFL and beyond. We wish the Class of 2026 the very best of luck as they get to work next month and look forward to following their progress in the new year.” Starting in January 2026, athletes in the program are…

An AFC matchup will put a bow on NFL Week 15 as the Miami Dolphins visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Monday Night Football’ at 8:15 p.m. ET. A MNF SGP could consist of NFL picks on the money line, which will be very popular considering Pittsburgh’s eye-popping streak. The Steelers, who are -178 on the money line, have won 22 straight home games on ‘Monday Night Football’, last losing in 1991. If you expect that run to continue, and for Pittsburgh to win with points to spare, then you could also group in NFL picks against the spread with your…

Before the Chiefs’ reign of terror in the AFC began, it was generally a three-team race in the conference. The Patriots, Ravens and Broncos combined to win eight straight AFC championships from 2011-18. With Kansas City eliminated from the postseason, those three teams are among the favorites in the AFC heading down the stretch run. The Patriots and Ravens meet on Sunday Night Football. First-year coach Mike Vrabel is very familiar with the rivalry with Baltimore, which is still looking to win a tight AFC North race with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Broncos, meanwhile, are on an 11-game win streak entering a…

For the first time in its history, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is preparing to host an Africa Cup of Nations tournament in nine stadiums across six cities.The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has renovated nine sports facilities to host the tournament, which will take place fro