Sports News Today Headlines Monday 13th October 2025

Sports News Today Headlines Monday 13th October 2025

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Punch Newspaper Headlines Today Monday 13th October 2025

target=_blank>2026 WCQ: 5 African countries to watch for potential qualifications in final round

As the dust settles on Africa’s thrilling race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African countries brace for one last dramatic matchday across the continent.
The post 2026 WCQ: 5 African countries to watch for potential qualifications in final round appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>Ancelotti ready to make World Cup history with Brazil

Ancelotti ready to make World Cup history with Brazil
Tokyo, Japan
13/10/2025 – 10:11 (UTC + 1)
No country has ever won the World Cup with a foreign-born coach but Carlo Ancelotti said Monday that there was “always a first time” as he eyes glory with Brazil.
The Italian became Brazil’s first overseas coach in six decades when he took over in May and he helped the five-times champions punch their ticket for next summer’s World Cup.
Brazil face Japan in a friendly in Tokyo on Tuesday, fresh from a 5-0 hammering of South Korea in Seoul last week.
Ancelotti said he is aiming to create history for himself and his team at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup,” he said.
“Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup but there is always a first time in life.”
Brazil made hard work of qualifying, finishing fifth in the South American table.
Ancelotti is their fourth coach since Tite stepped down following the quarter-final loss to Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Brazil sparkled against South Korea, with 18-year-old starlet Estevao scoring twice and Real Madrid pair Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. also among the goals.
– ‘Jogo bonito’ –
Brazilian fans hailed the win as a return to “jogo bonito” but Ancelotti said there was more to his team than that.
“Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football,” he said.
“Brazilian players have individual quality but that is combined with teamwork and movement off the ball, and that’s very important in football.”
Brazil travelled to Asia without forward Neymar, 33, who was ruled out of action until at least November with a thigh injury.
Time is running out for Brazil’s record goalscorer to force his way back into the squad before the World Cup.
Ancelotti said there were no questions over Neymar’s quality.
“If Neymar is in good condition then of course he can fit into the national team,” he said.
“If Neymar is fit then he can play in any team in the world.”
Brazil have kept four clean sheets in their five games since Ancelotti took over, having been porous at the back before then.
“He’s Italian, so he likes his team to defend well,” said their Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
“Especially at the World Cup, the teams that don’t concede goals win the title, so it’s essential that we defend well.”
Japan were the first team to book their place at next year’s tournament after cruising through Asian qualifying.
They have never beaten Brazil in 13 attempts and are without several injured players including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu said defeating Brazil would give them the confidence to make an impact in North America.
“We want to win and to grow as a team and give everything for this challenge,” he said.
“Brazil are one of the top teams in the world and we respect them, but we have players who are playing in Europe and getting experience there.”
amk/pst
The post Ancelotti ready to make World Cup history with Brazil appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>Video: Kano Pillars fans invade pitch, attack referees after 3SC grab late equaliser

Some irate fans attacked match officials during Kano Pillars’ Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday.
The post Video: Kano Pillars fans invade pitch, attack referees after 3SC grab late equaliser appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>2026 WCQ: ‘Calm down o’ – Moment Nigerians warn Nwabali at Uyo airport Video

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, received a frosty reception from fans in Uyo, who urged him to “calm down” as the Nigerian team arrived ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday.
The post 2026 WCQ: ‘Calm down o’ – Moment Nigerians warn Nwabali at Uyo airport Video appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>‘One day, I want to coach the national team’ – Zidane speaks on France job ambition

Zinedine Zidane confirmed Sunday he would one day like to coach the France national team, but did not say if he was hoping to take over from outgoing boss Didier Deschamps.
The post ‘One day, I want to coach the national team’ – Zidane speaks on France job ambition appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>4 times Super Eagles qualified for major tournaments on final matchday

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have built a reputation for thrilling their fans, not just with flair on the pitch, but with heart-stopping qualification campaigns that often go down to the wire.
The post 4 times Super Eagles qualified for major tournaments on final matchday appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>Super Eagles set for closed-door training as preparation schedule unveiled for Benin clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic, following a tense travel experience that briefly delayed their journey.
The post Super Eagles set for closed-door training as preparation schedule unveiled for Benin clash appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>2026 WCQ: 3 players suspended for Nigeria vs Benin Republic match

As the race for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up, both Nigeria and Benin Republic will be missing key players in their decisive Group C clash set for Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The post 2026 WCQ: 3 players suspended for Nigeria vs Benin Republic match appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>Super Eagles land in Uyo after emergency stop in Angola

The Super Eagles have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, after an unexpected mid-air scare forced their chartered flight to make an emergency return to Angola on Saturday.
The post Super Eagles land in Uyo after emergency stop in Angola appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>Down to the wire, by Patrick Omorodion

The Bible tells us in Luke 21:19 that “By your endurance you will win your lives”. It explains the importance of perseverance and enduring spirit in overcoming life’s challenges. When you are faced with life’s challenges and you decide to face the challenge headlong without chickening out, you are bound to succeed. It may be
The post Down to the wire, by Patrick Omorodion appeared first on Vanguard News.

target=_blank>NPFL: Bayelsa United overcome Rivers United in South South derby

Bayelsa United defeated Rivers United 2-1 in a thrilling South South derby at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Monday morning. The game was postponed to Monday following heavy downpour at the venue on Sunday. It was Rivers United’s first defeat in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, this season. Shuaibu Garba gave Bayelsa
NPFL: Bayelsa United overcome Rivers United in South South derby

target=_blank>EPL: Arsenal can’t win title with Gyokeres – Joleon Lescott warns Arteta

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has warned Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta that the Gunners cannot win the Premier League title with ‘okay’ striker Viktor Gyokeres. Recall that Arsenal signed Gyokeres from Sporting CP in the summer. The Sweden international has scored three goals in ten matches for Arteta’s side so far. “I would describe
EPL: Arsenal can’t win title with Gyokeres – Joleon Lescott warns Arteta

target=_blank>FIFA U-20 World Cup: Semi-final fixtures confirmed

The semi-final fixtures of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup have been confirmed. This follows the conclusion of the quarter-final matches played on Sunday and the early hours of Monday. DAILY POST reports that Morocco defeated the USA 3-1 in the quarter-final stage to progress to the semi-final. Morocco is now the only African country
FIFA U-20 World Cup: Semi-final fixtures confirmed

target=_blank>2026 World Cup: Mbappe snubs France, picks favourite to win trophy

France captain, Kylian Mbappe, has said Spain are serious contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. The 26-year-old is on course to play at next year’s tournament, scoring in their 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan on Friday. Although many pundits consider Les Bleus one of the favourites to lift the trophy again, Mbappe
2026 World Cup: Mbappe snubs France, picks favourite to win trophy

target=_blank>NPFL: Boboye set to replace Odigie at Bayelsa United

Kennedy Boboye is on the verge of taking up the vacant technical adviser role at Nigeria Premier Football League,NPFL, side Bayelsa United. According to reports, the Prosperity Boys management have reached an agreement with the 51-year-old tactician to replace Monday Odigie who resigned from the post last week. Odigie parted ways with Bayelsa United following
NPFL: Boboye set to replace Odigie at Bayelsa United

target=_blank>NPFL: Mangut pleased with Nasarawa United’s win over Rangers

Nasarawa United technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut has shared his thoughts on the team’s victory over Rangers. The Solid Miners recorded a 2-1 win over the eighth-time champions at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday. Nasarawa United extended their unbeaten streak to seven games following the win. Anas Yusuf, and John Joshua were on target for
NPFL: Mangut pleased with Nasarawa United’s win over Rangers

target=_blank>Violence has no place in football – Ahmed Musa apologises over match incident

The General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, Ahmed Musa, has apologised for the violent scenes that occurred during their NPFL match against Shooting Stars Sports Club on Sunday. In a statement issued late Sunday, Musa described the incident as heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable. According to him, it does not represent the true values
Violence has no place in football – Ahmed Musa apologises over match incident

target=_blank>Arsenal: ‘Very good player’ – Mikel Arteta told to sign Jurrien Timber’s twin brother in January

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has been told to sign Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Jurrien Timber. Former Manchester United’s assistant coach, Rene Meulensteen, believes the midfielder would be of help for the Gunners’ title chase. He said the Spaniard should consider signing the Dutchman in the upcoming January transfer window. Quinten plays for Dutch
Arsenal: ‘Very good player’ – Mikel Arteta told to sign Jurrien Timber’s twin brother in January

target=_blank>He’s teammates’ dream’ – Carlton Cole questions Chelsea’s decision to allow Jackson go

Former Chelsea attacker, Carlton Cole, has expressed surprise over Chelsea’s decision to offload their main striker, Nicolas Jackson. Nicolas Jackson netted 30 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues. Following an injury to Liam Delap, Chelsea wanted Jackson back at Stamford Bridge but the Senegalese rejected the call and insisted on remaining in Germany. The
He’s teammates’ dream’ – Carlton Cole questions Chelsea’s decision to allow Jackson go

target=_blank>EPL: ‘They immediately regretted it’ – Sheringham slams Chelsea over strange, surprising decision

Former Manchester United man, Teddy Sheringham, has expressed disappointment over Chelsea’s decision to allow Nicolas Jackson leave the club. He said that the west London side ‘immediately regretted’ what he described as a ‘very strange’ transfer decision the Blues made over the summer. Chelsea spent over £300 million on bringing in new players and receiving
EPL: ‘They immediately regretted it’ – Sheringham slams Chelsea over strange, surprising decision

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