Sports
Chelle Backs 2 Yests AFCON Cycle As CAF Reviews Tournament Format
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has endorsed calls to return the Africa Cup of Nations to its traditional biennial schedule, saying the two-year cycle is vital for the growth of African football.
Chelle, who led Mali at the 2023 AFCON and Nigeria at the 2025 edition, argued that holding the continent’s biggest tournament every two years would give African nations more chances to improve, develop players and face top-level opposition.
Speaking in an interview ,he said: “For me, it’s perfect because when you want to improve, having one tournament every four years is difficult. So, having a tournament every two years now is perfect, so we can continue to improve.”
The Confederation of African Football had announced plans to switch AFCON to a four-year cycle, but CAF president Patrice Motsepe has recently hinted that the decision could be reviewed, reopening the debate over the competition’s future.
Chelle insists more frequent tournaments would help African teams close the competitive gap with international rivals.
“We can grow together; we will play two big tournaments instead of the other nations playing one tournament,” he added.
The Super Eagles boss also stressed the importance of regular high-level international competition in preparing African sides for the FIFA World Cup. He believes a biennial AFCON would offer valuable experience and help teams sharpen their tactical and technical abilities.
Sports
Bottom Club Sunderland To Stick With Manager Le Bris
Sunderland manager Regis le Bris is set to be given more time to turn things around despite his side’s poor start to the Premier League season.
Le Bris is under pressure after Saturday’s defeat at Coventry left the Black Cats bottom of the table with just one win from their first nine league matches.
However, club sources have told BBC Sport they believe the Frenchman can turn things around.
Sunderland face Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League at the Stadium of Light on Thursday, then host Chelsea in the league on Sunday before the international break begins.
Le Bris joined Sunderland from Lorient in 2024 and, in his first season in charge, oversaw promotion back to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.
The 50-year-old then guided the Black Cats to an impressive seventh-placed finish a year later, securing a spot in the Europa League.
It was the first time Sunderland had qualified for European competition in 53 years.
They have won two and drawn one of their Europa League league phase matches so far.
Sports
Van Dijk: Why Liverpool Lost To Arsenal In Sunday League Game
Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, has expressed his disappointment following their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
Kai Havertz’s goal in the first half proved to be the winner for the Gunners.
Speaking to the media after the game, Van Dijk bemoaned their failure to take their chances.
“Disappointment, disappointment,” Van Dijk said.
“We had some opportunities, we tried everything. I think we could have maybe done a bit better towards the last 15 minutes of the game to get more balls in the box.
“But it wasn’t enough today and that’s why disappointment is definitely the feeling I’m having
“After we conceded the goal, we started to play much better. A big chance from Alexis could have changed the game.
“Unfortunately that didn’t happen, but we all know, in the second half, anything could still happen and we kept pushing and going for it.”
Sports
2026 U-17 WWC: Venezuela Coach Reacts To Defeat Against Flamingos
Venezuela head coach Dayana Frías has reflected on her side’s narrow defeat to Nigeria’s Flamingos in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The South Americans crashed out of the competition following a 1-0 loss to Nigeria, who secured their place in the semi-finals.
Although Venezuela struggled to match the Flamingos’ intensity, La Vinotinto put up a determined defensive performance, keeping the Nigerian side at bay for much of the encounter.
The game appeared destined for a penalty shootout before Nigeria were awarded a late spot-kick after Venezuela defender Migleydys Bolsegui was adjudged to have fouled Oluebube Umejiaku.
Azeezat Oduntan stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to hand Nigeria a crucial victory and book their place in the last four.
Frías admitted that a costly mistake proved decisive but expressed satisfaction with her team’s overall performance and development throughout the tournament.
“It was a good performance overall, but I think we made one mistake and paid for it. As for the experience, it’s been really beautiful and rewarding,” Frías told FIFA.
“I’m happy to see how much they’ve grown and how they’ve developed as footballers throughout the tournament. We also have seven players who are eligible to play again next year, so I think they’re ready to come back and keep growing.”
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