Fresh from defeating one FIFA World Cup-bound team, Iran, and drawing with another, Jordan, in Antalya, Turkey, three-time African champions Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer, with fixtures lined up against Poland and World Cup-bound side Portugal during the FIFA window for friendly matches in June.

The Nigeran Football Federation’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, confirmed on Thursday that the clash with Poland will take place at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.

The encounter with Portugal is scheduled for June 10, with the venue to be announced in the coming days.

The game against the Seleção das Quinas — the nickname of Portugal’s senior men’s team — will serve as the hosts’ final match before they travel to the Americas for this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are also scheduled to defend their crown at this year’s Unity Cup Tournament in London, set to take place from May 26 to 30.

Liverpool FC is gearing up for a major squad overhaul after a frustrating campaign.

Despite investing heavily last summer, the Reds have struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League and now face crucial decisions.

Sporting director Richard Hughes defended the club’s recruitment strategy, stating: “These are players who have already achieved a lot in their individual careers… we also want to try and win right now.” However, results on the pitch have not matched those ambitions.

As a result, several big names are now on the transfer list. According to reports, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez could all leave Anfield this summer. The situation becomes even more delicate with Mohamed Salah already set to depart at the end of his contract, marking the end of an era for the club.

Uncertainty also surrounds several other players, while pressure is mounting on manager Arne Slot. His future could depend on upcoming results, with Xabi Alonso already mentioned as a potential successor. Liverpool appears ready to make tough and possibly unexpected choices to rebuild and return to the top.

The World Cup 2026 playoffs have delivered their final verdict, and while many nations celebrate qualification, others face bitter disappointment. Among the biggest shocks is Italy’s elimination against Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-1, 4-1 on penalties), marking a third consecutive absence from the tournament.

“It’s a devastating blow,” many observers noted, as captain Gianluigi Donnarumma will miss yet another World Cup at 27. The list of absent goalkeepers also includes Jan Oblak, André Onana, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, all denied a place on football’s biggest stage.

Federico Dimarco (Italy)

Several global stars will also be watching from home. Robert Lewandowski headlines the list after Poland’s elimination against Sweden. “Football can be cruel… it hurts because we were so close,” he admitted after the match. Alongside him, names like Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Serhou Guirassy will miss out, as will creative forces such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dominik Szoboszlai. Even promising talents like Rasmus Højlund and Benjamin Sesko failed to secure qualification, highlighting the fierce competition across continents.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Injuries have also played their part in shaping this list of absentees. Rodrygo is expected to miss out despite being in contention, while Neymar Jr. still hopes for a late call-up after a long absence from the national team. Jack Grealish, sidelined with a stress fracture, also faces a race against time. As the tournament approaches, the absence of these major names serves as a reminder of how unforgiving international football can be, even for the game’s biggest stars.

Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary)