Sports Groove

By Maxwell Kumoye       Cameroon are stepping up efforts to secure the next generation of talent, with a group of promising youngsters from European academies joining the country’s U17 setup for a training camp in Noisy-le-Grand, France. The move reflects the vision of Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto'o to identify and attract talented players eligible to represent the Indomitable Lions at youth level. The latest camp features 25 players drawn from clubs and academies across France, Germany, England, Italy and Spain, giving Cameroon an opportunity to assess a wider pool of talent with potential to contribute to the national teams in the years ahead. Among the goalkeepers are Festus Chelsea of SC Charleroi and Poirier Elangue of Brookehouse, while the defensive group includes players from clubs such as USL Dunkerque, FC Lorient, FC Nantes, Union Berlin, US Orléans and Stockport County. The midfield also boasts notable academy representation, w...

...Cameroon secured silver as Algeria claimed bronze  By Maxwell Kumoye  Tunisia have been crowned champions of the 2026 CAVB Men’s African Nations Volleyball Championship after defeating Cameroon in the final in Tunis on Friday. The hosts produced a commanding performance to overcome the Indomitable Lions 3-0, with the sets ending 25-22, 25-18, 25-19. The victory sees Tunisia lift the African title on home soil and, crucially, secure Africa’s continental ticket to the men’s volleyball tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.  The championship served as the African qualifier for both the Olympics and the 2027 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup.  Cameroon, who had reached the final after defeating Algeria 3-1 in the semifinals, finish the tournament with the silver medal.  Both finalists had already secured qualification for the 2027 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Cup in Poland by reaching the final.  Earlier in the third place matches, Algeri...

Winger Anthony Gordon believes England should abandon attempts to copy Spain's possession-based style of football and instead embrace their natural game by leaning more into physical strengths. Following England's World ‌Cup semi-final loss to Argentina in July, England manager Thomas Tuchel attracted a backlash after saying ball possession was "not in their DNA" like Spain, where a passing-heavy approach is taught at all levels. Gordon, who moved to Spanish club Barcelona from Newcastle United in ⁠May, agreed with Tuchel and said on Wednesday that he was not sure English players could be taught in a similar way. After hosting Spain at Wembley, England visit the Czech ⁠Republic ​and Croatia before playing the Czechs ​again at home. The remaining two fixtures of the Nations League group will be completed ​in November.

Dutch footballing philosophy has had a marked impact on the all-conquering success of Spain recently, but now that the ‌Netherlands are looking to bolster their own fortunes they have turned to a Spanish World Cup winner for inspiration. Former Barcelona midfielder and coach Xavi Hernandez has become the first foreigner in charge of the Dutch national team since the 1978 World Cup. Xavi, who as a player won the World Cup in 2010 and two European Championships, debuts as coach on Thursday when the Dutch host Germany in Amsterdam and will have three more Nations League matches in the three-week international window. The ⁠Netherlands have turned to him for a change in perspective after spells under Ronald Koeman and Louis van Gaal sparked much disquiet over the team’s tactics and playing philosophy. Both coaches were accused of abandoning traditional Dutch values around ball possession and attacking football and employing counter-attacks as their primary weapon. Although Van G...

Germany coach Juergen Klopp refused to make any promises of silverware on Wednesday but said signs of progress should be visible when his side face the Netherlands in his first match in charge in the ‌Nations League on Thursday. The former Liverpool manager succeeded Julian Nagelsmann in July after Germany's shock 2026 World Cup exit. Nagelsmann had said following Germany's Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat that he was sad he would have to wait two years to lift the World Cup, a prediction that came back to haunt him when his side were ⁠eliminated by outsiders Paraguay this summer. Klopp was asked about his remark at the start of his Liverpool tenure that he would probably have won a title if he was still in the job four years later. He went on to win a string of trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League titles. He was far more circumspect on Wednesday. "I don't want to promise anything," Klopp told a press conference. "What I can s...

France captain Kylian Mbappe missed training on Tuesday after developing flu-like symptoms, casting doubt ‌over his availability for the team's upcoming Nations League fixtures, the French Football Federation (FFF) said. The Real Madrid forward remained at France's ⁠training base while the rest of Zidane's squad took part in the session. The session was the second overseen by new France coach Zinedine Zidane, who is preparing for his first match in charge when France ‌face ⁠Turkey in Kocaeli on Friday. France are also scheduled to play Belgium home and away and host Italy during ⁠the international window. Mbappe's condition adds an early selection concern for Zidane as he ⁠begins his tenure with the national team, after replacing his former ⁠France teammate Didier Deschamps following the World Cup.

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has been diagnosed with a grade-three sprain in his left ‌ankle, the Spanish club said on Tuesday. The Uruguay international sustained the injury during Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid after a heavy challenge ⁠from winger Lee Kang-in, an incident that did not result in a booking. Valverde completed the match but was later found to have suffered significant trauma to the ankle. A grade-three sprain is the most serious type of ligament injury ⁠and involves a complete tear of the affected ligament. Spanish media reports said Valverde ⁠is expected to be sidelined for between two and three weeks, ⁠ruling him out of Uruguay's upcoming international fixtures.

By Maxwell Kumoye      The Super Eagles of Nigeria have stepped up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with all 23 invited players now in camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze were the final arrivals, joining their teammates ahead of the team's evening training session to complete the squad assembled by head coach Éric Chelle. Chelle and his entire technical crew are also on ground at the team’s base, where preparations have moved into full swing ahead of Nigeria's opening qualifying fixture against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, 2026. Among those already in camp are former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and highly-rated youngster George Ilenikhena, who received his first invitation to the senior national team. The three-time African champions will host Madagascar's Barea in Uyo before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in their next qualifying assig...

Kylian Mbappe says being managed by Zinedine Zidane for the French national team is "like something out of a movie". The pair will work together for the first time during ‌this international break, as Zidane returns to management five years after leaving Real Madrid. Last week Mbappe referred to Zidane as "the player who most embodies the France team", noting that he left an indelible mark on French football. Zidane confirmed last week that Mbappe would continue as France captain. Speaking to Spanish paper AS, Mbappe explained that Zidane was present in his career from his formative years. "Yes, years ago (he took me to Real Madrid's training ground)," said Mbappe. "He was the first, to pick me up ‌and ⁠take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex. I was 13 or 14, it was ages ago." "And now he’s my national team coach. It’s like something out of a movie, but he's top-level." Zidane replaced his former France ⁠team...

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez wants more intensity from his team and for them to take the initiative ‌in their Nations League matches this month, he said on Monday. The former World Cup winner with Spain, who is also a former Barcelona coach, takes charge of his first match with the Dutch when they host Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday, followed by two games against Serbia and a trip to Greece in the expanded international window. Xavi said he would be insisting on hard work and application ⁠from the 26-man squad, whom he was meeting for the first time on Monday. “Everything is new for me and for the staff so it will first be to get to know each other, know all the players, insist or convince them about our way to play,” he told a press conference. “We don't have too much time. But no excuses, every coach is in the same situation. “I want to explain the values that we want from the squad. I want to show them that I'm open for them, I want to help them. I want to ...

France head coach Zinedine Zidane has unveiled his first squad since taking charge of Les Bleus, making five changes to the group ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Liverpool centre-back Jérémy Jacquet is among the most notable new faces after impressing during his debut season at Anfield. Goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, Inter Milan defender Andy Diouf, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes forward Estéban Lepaul have also received their first senior call-ups. Zidane has retained several of France's established stars, with captain Kylian Mbappé leading an attack that also includes Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, along with defenders Ibrahima Konaté, Jules Koundé and Dayot Upamecano, are also part of the 23-man squad. In midfield, Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga returns alongside Manchester City's Rayan Cherki, Roma's Manu Koné, AC Milan's Adrien Rabiot and Paris Saint-Germain...

Roberto Mancini has begun his second spell as Italy head coach with a major overhaul of the national team, naming an expanded 34-man squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures. Mancini has returned to the Italy bench following a turbulent period for the Italian Football Federation, succeeding Gennaro Gattuso after the former midfielder's departure. The federation's subsequent attempt to appoint Andrea Pirlo also collapsed after facing significant backlash over Pirlo's commercial links to a Russian betting company. The new-look squad features nine players receiving their first senior call-ups, highlighting Mancini's determination to inject fresh talent into the Azzurri following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among the newcomers are Brentford full-back Michael Kayode, Monza defender Eddie Kwaidoo, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Samuele Inacio and winger Mohamed Ali Zoma, who currently plays for second-tier Bundesliga club 1. FC N...

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has unveiled his first squad since guiding La Roja to World Cup glory in July, retaining the core of his championship-winning team while making four changes for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martínez and Espanyol forward Roberto Fernández have received their first senior call-ups, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen and Barcelona midfielder Fermín López return to the squad after missing the World Cup. Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García is absent through injury, while Gavi has also been left out. Marcos Llorente is unavailable after announcing his retirement from international football, while Borja Iglesias is another omission from the World Cup-winning group. De la Fuente has otherwise kept faith with the players who delivered Spain's second World Cup title. Goalkeepers Unai Simón and David Raya are joined by Martínez, while the defence includes Pedro Porro, Marc Pubill, Eric García, Pau Cubarsí...

French football superstar Kylian Mbappé has ended his two-decade partnership with Nike after agreeing to join fast-rising Swiss sportswear brand On. The blockbuster move gives On a major global ambassador as the company steps up its efforts to establish itself in football, while marking another high-profile departure from Nike to a growing competitor. Financial details of Mbappé’s deal have not been revealed, although On confirmed that the agreement includes a combination of cash and equity. Mbappé’s arrival forms part of On’s wider expansion beyond its traditional strength in running and its growing presence in tennis. Backed by tennis great Roger Federer, the Swiss brand plans to launch its first football boots in 2027 and has already appointed former France international Thierry Henry as its director of football.

Nigeria’s Falconets produced a commanding statement at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, sweeping aside England 3-0 in a dominant Round of 16 clash at the Bielsko-Biala Stadium. Tosin Rafiu set the tone for Nigeria after just eight minutes, giving the Falconets an early advantage and putting England under immediate pressure. Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei doubled Nigeria’s lead shortly after the restart, before Mary Mamudu delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute to complete a comprehensive victory. The emphatic triumph sends Nigeria into the quarter-finals, where they will face either Poland or Colombia on Sunday, September 20. The last-eight encounter is scheduled for 2pm WAT at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź, with the Falconets now just two wins away from a place in the World Cup final.

Trabzonspor have appointed German coach Thomas Reis as their new manager, taking charge after the Turkish club parted ways with Fatih Tekke earlier this month. The 52-year-old has agreed to a two-season contract with the Black Sea club. Reis, who previously managed Turkish side Samsunspor, will reportedly earn €1 million ($1.15 million) during the 2026–27 season, rising to €1.2 million ($1.38 million) for the following campaign. Trabzonspor have also made headlines in the transfer market after bolstering their squad last month with the arrivals of former Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Fabinho.

The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be staged in Istanbul, with Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán insisting the decision was driven primarily by a scheduling conflict with the Asian Cup rather than security concerns surrounding the region. The Turkish Football Federation confirmed that the tournament will take place in Istanbul from February 2 to 7, 2027. The announcement was made at a launch event on Thursday attended by Louzán and Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, as preparations begin for the competition’s temporary move away from Saudi Arabia. Louzán revealed that discussions over relocating the Super Cup had started before the latest regional tensions emerged. According to the federation chief, organisers were already aware that the tournament dates would overlap with the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, prompting talks to find an alternative venue.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi remains confident that his side will soon find their attacking rhythm and begin turning performances into victories, despite suffering a 3–1 defeat to Liverpool in the League Cup third round on Tuesday. The result extended Tottenham’s winless run to four matches and added further pressure after a difficult start to the Premier League campaign. Spurs have collected only two points from their opening four league games and are yet to record a victory. De Zerbi believes the team’s struggles are temporary and that a breakthrough in their attacking play could lead to a significant improvement in results. The Italian acknowledged the frustration surrounding the club’s current situation, particularly after Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation last season by finishing just two points above the drop zone. “We are suffering because the results are our life. If we lose, we are sorry, we are sad, we are disappointed, we are frustrated,” De Zer...

Former England winger Raheem Sterling has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after a court heard he was seen inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon while driving his Lamborghini on busy motorways in southern England. The 31-year-old admitted driving dangerously on the M25, M3, A327 and Minley Road on the morning of May 28, before crashing his Lamborghini Urus near the Minley interchange. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported. Prosecutor Simon Jones told Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court that motorists had made several emergency calls after witnessing the vehicle being driven erratically during rush hour. One witness described Sterling’s driving as “absolutely horrendous” and said he was swerving between lanes while inhaling from a large white balloon that obstructed much of his view. Sterling also pleaded guilty to possessing six nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. The substance is classified as a Class C d...

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has agreed to extend his contract with the national team until 2030 following an extraordinary spell that has seen him deliver consecutive major international titles, according to reports on Tuesday. De la Fuente, who was originally contracted until 2028, has been rewarded with a new long-term agreement after guiding Spain to European Championship glory in 2024 before adding the FIFA World Cup title in July. The 65-year-old has transformed Spain into one of international football's dominant forces since taking charge, suffering just two defeats in 41 competitive matches. The contract extension underlines the Spanish Football Federation's confidence in De la Fuente as he prepares to lead the reigning European and world champions into another World Cup cycle.