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Coach Eric Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give their utmost effort in Tuesday’s decisive Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Benin Republic. Currently sitting third in the group, Nigeria must secure a win in Uyo and hope South Africa drops points against Rwanda in Nelspruit to keep their qualification hopes alive. Group leaders Benin Republic, with 17 points, need only a draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to reach their first-ever World Cup. South Africa, in second place with 15 points, will qualify if they beat Rwanda, unless Nigeria wins by at least two goals.

Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG’s) player, Ousmane Dembele, wins the top award at the 69th edition of the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, on Monday.

In a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, South Africa's Bafana Bafana will welcome the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. Both teams are under pressure to produce a result as Group C reaches its peak. Nigeria is in dire need of a victory to maintain its hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, while South Africa wants to maintain its lead in the group.

Concerns have begin to emerge from analyst as FIFA planning ahead of the 2026 World Cup amid extreme heat that is speculated could threaten player welfare and fan safety, taking cue from experiences at the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States. During the Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund coach, Niko Kovac, cautioned that after his team’s opening game that the competition’s schedule was taking a toll on players.

Following the victory of 2-0 against Ukraine, Kylian Mbappé has drawn level with Thierry Henry as France’s joint second-highest goal scorer in Les Bleus’ in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier yesterday, Friday. The 26-year-old forward netted the goal in the 82nd minute, pushing his tally to 51 goals for the national team, the same as Arsenal legend Henry; Putting Mbappé behind only Olivier Giroud, who remains France’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals.

Manchester City will have a brief reunion with Kevin De Bruyne as the English team begins their Champions League campaign with a home match against the Belgian's new team, Napoli. The opening matchday of this season's league phase spans three days, and on Thursday, September 18, City will host Italian champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.