Sport Archives - TheCitizen - It's all about you https://thecitizenng.com/category/sports/ Nigeria's leading online newspaper Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:28:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://thecitizenng.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/cropped-TheCitizen-330x50-1-32x32.png Sport Archives - TheCitizen - It's all about you https://thecitizenng.com/category/sports/ 32 32 World Cup: English FA backs Tuchel despite semi-final loss https://thecitizenng.com/world-cup-english-fa-backs-tuchel-despite-semi-final-loss/ https://thecitizenng.com/world-cup-english-fa-backs-tuchel-despite-semi-final-loss/#respond Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:28:44 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285242 The English Football Association has reaffirmed its support for head coach, Thomas Tuchel, following England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The loss denied England a place in their first men’s World Cup final since 1966, despite taking an early lead before Argentina scored twice late in the game […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/world-cup-english-fa-backs-tuchel-despite-semi-final-loss/feed/ 0 Spain beat France 2-0, seal place in World Cup final https://thecitizenng.com/spain-beat-france-2-0-seal-place-in-world-cup-final/ https://thecitizenng.com/spain-beat-france-2-0-seal-place-in-world-cup-final/#respond Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:20:24 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285213 Spain booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final in Arlington, Texas. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal, before Pedro Porro doubled La Roja’s advantage in the second half following a flowing move orchestrated by […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/spain-beat-france-2-0-seal-place-in-world-cup-final/feed/ 0 FIFA plans 30-minute half-time show for World Cup final with Burna Boy, Shakira https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-plans-30-minute-half-time-show-for-world-cup-final-with-burna-boy-shakira/ https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-plans-30-minute-half-time-show-for-world-cup-final-with-burna-boy-shakira/#respond Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:22:56 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285216 The half-time break at Sunday’s World Cup final could stretch to 30 minutes, as football’s governing body pushes ahead with a Super Bowl-style interval show despite the practice breaching the sport’s own rules, The Telegraph reports. According to the report, broadcasters BBC and ITV are preparing for the extended break, which would combine an 11-minute […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-plans-30-minute-half-time-show-for-world-cup-final-with-burna-boy-shakira/feed/ 0 FIFA mulls World Cup expansion to 64 teams https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-mulls-world-cup-expansion-to-64-teams/ https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-mulls-world-cup-expansion-to-64-teams/#respond Tue, 14 Jul 2026 01:26:00 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285198 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that football’s governing body will examine the possibility of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams after declaring the newly enlarged 48-team tournament a success. The 2026 World Cup marked the first edition to feature 48 nations, up from the 32-team format used between 1998 and 2022. […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-mulls-world-cup-expansion-to-64-teams/feed/ 0 France beat Morocco 2-0 to reach World Cup semi-finals https://thecitizenng.com/france-beat-morocco-2-0-to-reach-world-cup-semi-finals/ https://thecitizenng.com/france-beat-morocco-2-0-to-reach-world-cup-semi-finals/#respond Thu, 09 Jul 2026 23:05:56 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285098 France booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in their quarter-final clash in Boston, USA, on Thursday. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored in the second half as Les Bleus overcame a resilient Moroccan side to seal a last-four berth. France dominated much of […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/france-beat-morocco-2-0-to-reach-world-cup-semi-finals/feed/ 0 Man Utd agree £50m deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea https://thecitizenng.com/man-utd-agree-50m-deal-to-sign-andrey-santos-from-chelsea/ https://thecitizenng.com/man-utd-agree-50m-deal-to-sign-andrey-santos-from-chelsea/#respond Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:31:30 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285068 Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £50 million to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, according to multiple British media reports, although neither Manchester United nor Chelsea has officially confirmed the transfer. Sky Sports late Wednesday reported that “Manchester United have agreed a £50m deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.” The broadcaster […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/man-utd-agree-50m-deal-to-sign-andrey-santos-from-chelsea/feed/ 0 France, Morocco rematch as World Cup quarterfinals get under way https://thecitizenng.com/france-morocco-rematch-as-world-cup-quarterfinals-get-under-way/ https://thecitizenng.com/france-morocco-rematch-as-world-cup-quarterfinals-get-under-way/#respond Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:05:17 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=285050 France begin their final push towards a third World Cup crown on Thursday when they take on Morocco in a blockbuster showdown as a star-studded quarterfinal line-up kicks off. After a month of scintillating action that has dispelled pre-tournament anxieties over sky-high ticket prices and geopolitics, the biggest, boldest and most logistically complex World Cup […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/france-morocco-rematch-as-world-cup-quarterfinals-get-under-way/feed/ 0 UEFA condemns FIFA over Balogun ban suspension https://thecitizenng.com/uefa-condemns-fifa-over-balogun-ban-suspension/ https://thecitizenng.com/uefa-condemns-fifa-over-balogun-ban-suspension/#respond Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:32:15 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284948 FIFA suspending USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red card ban “crossed a red line”, according to UEFA. The union of European Football Associations (UEFA) released a statement this morning, saying football “relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition”. “Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not,” UEFA added […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/uefa-condemns-fifa-over-balogun-ban-suspension/feed/ 0 Belgium FA baffles at FIFA decision to suspend Balogun red card https://thecitizenng.com/belgium-fa-baffles-at-fifa-decision-to-suspend-balogun-red-card/ https://thecitizenng.com/belgium-fa-baffles-at-fifa-decision-to-suspend-balogun-red-card/#respond Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:39:24 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284937 Belgium’s football association said Sunday it was “astonished” at FIFA’s decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red card, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 game. “The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/belgium-fa-baffles-at-fifa-decision-to-suspend-balogun-red-card/feed/ 0 Neymar retires from international football after Brazil’s World Cup exit https://thecitizenng.com/neymar-retires-from-international-football-after-brazils-world-cup-exit/ https://thecitizenng.com/neymar-retires-from-international-football-after-brazils-world-cup-exit/#respond Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:55:03 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284886 Brazil superstar Neymar indicated on Sunday that his international career was over after the five-time World Cup winners went out of the tournament in the last 16 at the hands of Norway. Neymar came on as a late substitute at MetLife Stadium and scored a penalty deep in injury time, but that was a mere […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/neymar-retires-from-international-football-after-brazils-world-cup-exit/feed/ 0 ‎5th Cycling Lagos: Organizers open online registration portal ahead of September 12 Grand Finale https://thecitizenng.com/5th-cycling-lagos-organizers-open-online-registration-portal-ahead-of-september-12-grand-finale/ https://thecitizenng.com/5th-cycling-lagos-organizers-open-online-registration-portal-ahead-of-september-12-grand-finale/#respond Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:57:13 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284854 The organizers of the 5th Cycling Lagos have officially opened the online registration portal for cyclists wishing to participate in this year’s highly anticipated event, with the grand finale scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, starting from the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Announcing the commencement of online registration in Lagos, Convener of Cycling Lagos and […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/5th-cycling-lagos-organizers-open-online-registration-portal-ahead-of-september-12-grand-finale/feed/ 0 FIFA confirms World Cup Round of 32 fixtures, dates, venues https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-confirms-world-cup-round-of-32-fixtures-dates-venues/ https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-confirms-world-cup-round-of-32-fixtures-dates-venues/#respond Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:41:47 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284755 The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered a decisive phase with the confirmation of the Round of 32 fixtures following the conclusion of an action-packed group stage. The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time in the competition’s history, has already delivered memorable moments, surprise results and emerging contenders. Hosted […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/fifa-confirms-world-cup-round-of-32-fixtures-dates-venues/feed/ 0 World Cup: Cape Verde to face Argentina in knockouts after Saudi draw https://thecitizenng.com/world-cup-cape-verde-to-face-argentina-in-knockouts-after-saudi-draw/ https://thecitizenng.com/world-cup-cape-verde-to-face-argentina-in-knockouts-after-saudi-draw/#respond Sat, 27 Jun 2026 06:14:07 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284727 World Cup debutants Cape Verde will face reigning champions Argentina in the knockout rounds after drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia on Friday to extend their fairytale journey. The stalemate in Houston and Spain’s 1-0 win over Uruguay meant the team ranked 67 finished runners-up behind Spain in Group H. Having drawn all three group matches, […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/world-cup-cape-verde-to-face-argentina-in-knockouts-after-saudi-draw/feed/ 0 Jordan leave spotless locker room, gifts after World Cup defeat https://thecitizenng.com/jordan-leave-spotless-locker-room-gifts-after-world-cup-defeat/ https://thecitizenng.com/jordan-leave-spotless-locker-room-gifts-after-world-cup-defeat/#respond Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:13:40 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284645 Jordan’s national football team has earned widespread praise after leaving their dressing room spotless and presenting gifts and a handwritten note following their 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Algeria. FIFA shared footage of the gesture on its social media platforms on Tuesday, describing it as “ultimate respect” from the debutants after their Group J […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/jordan-leave-spotless-locker-room-gifts-after-world-cup-defeat/feed/ 0 Super Falcons’ Plumptre debunks WAFCON exclusion over bribery demand https://thecitizenng.com/super-falcons-plumptre-debunks-wafcon-exclusion-over-bribery-demand/ https://thecitizenng.com/super-falcons-plumptre-debunks-wafcon-exclusion-over-bribery-demand/#respond Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:58:04 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284635 Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre on Tuesday dismissed a viral social media post claiming she was excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations over her refusal to meet alleged demands from football officials. The viral statement, circulated by a verified Facebook account bearing the defender’s name, alleged that she had […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/super-falcons-plumptre-debunks-wafcon-exclusion-over-bribery-demand/feed/ 0 Cape Verde World Cup story continues with Uruguay draw https://thecitizenng.com/cape-verde-world-cup-story-continues-with-uruguay-draw/ https://thecitizenng.com/cape-verde-world-cup-story-continues-with-uruguay-draw/#respond Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:26:59 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284588 Cape Verde’s gripping debut World Cup campaign continued as they held two-time champions Uruguay to a thrilling draw in Miami. Having delighted fans with their shock 0-0 draw with Spain in their opener, Cape Verde took a dream lead against Uruguay through Kevin Pina’s long-range free-kick which went through the middle of the wall in the 21st […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/cape-verde-world-cup-story-continues-with-uruguay-draw/feed/ 0 Serena Williams gets Wimbledon singles wildcard https://thecitizenng.com/serena-williams-gets-wimbledon-singles-wildcard/ https://thecitizenng.com/serena-williams-gets-wimbledon-singles-wildcard/#respond Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:13:20 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284566 Tennis great Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, has been awarded a wildcard for the Wimbledon grass court championships starting in a week. Organisers released their initial list of wildcards on Sunday, with Williams one of eight players awarded a place in the ladies’ singles event.  

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/serena-williams-gets-wimbledon-singles-wildcard/feed/ 0 Premier League releases 2026/27 Season schedule https://thecitizenng.com/premier-league-releases-2026-27-season-schedule/ https://thecitizenng.com/premier-league-releases-2026-27-season-schedule/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:49:39 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284538 The 2026/27 Premier League season schedule has been released, with all 380 fixtures set to run from Friday, August 21, 2026, through the campaign. Kick-off times remain standard, with weekend and Bank Holiday matches scheduled for 15:00 UK time, while midweek games will typically begin at 20:00 unless otherwise stated. “All fixtures remain subject to […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/premier-league-releases-2026-27-season-schedule/feed/ 0 Moroccan football star Hakimi to stand trial for rape https://thecitizenng.com/moroccan-football-star-hakimi-to-stand-trial-for-rape/ https://thecitizenng.com/moroccan-football-star-hakimi-to-stand-trial-for-rape/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:22:06 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284535 A French appeals court on Friday confirmed that Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will face trial for the alleged rape of a woman in 2023, which the Paris Saint-Germain defender denies. In February 2023, a woman then aged 24 told police in the Val-de-Marne region southeast of Paris that Hakimi had raped her. The PSG […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/moroccan-football-star-hakimi-to-stand-trial-for-rape/feed/ 0 DR Congo earn historic World Cup point, hold Ronaldo’s Portugal to 1-1 draw https://thecitizenng.com/dr-congo-earn-historic-world-cup-point-hold-ronaldos-portugal-to-1-1-draw/ https://thecitizenng.com/dr-congo-earn-historic-world-cup-point-hold-ronaldos-portugal-to-1-1-draw/#respond Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:19:09 +0000 https://thecitizenng.com/?p=284499 Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth World Cup got off to a disappointing start as the Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first ever point at the finals, drawing 1-1 with Portugal in their Group K match on Wednesday. Yoane Wissa’s header cancelled out Joao Neves’s early goal and the African side — appearing in their first […]

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]]> https://thecitizenng.com/dr-congo-earn-historic-world-cup-point-hold-ronaldos-portugal-to-1-1-draw/feed/ 0