Sports
Ivory Coast Send World Cup Warning
Ahead of the competition, Africa Cup of Nations finalists/winners Morocco and Senegal are — understandably — being tipped as the continent’s contenders most likely to make a deep run in the competition.
But expectations for the West African giants may need to be revived after their bold come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the 2018 champions in Nantes.
Historically significant win
Even though this was a friendly, there was a historical significance behind the Ivory Coast’s victory. In just under 30 matches against African opponents, this was only the fifth time — in competitive or non-competitive fixtures — that France have ever been defeated.
Beginning with Senegal at the 2002 World Cup, they subsequently lost against both South Africa and Tunisia at the 2010 and 2022 tournaments respectively, while also falling against Nigeria in a 2009 friendly.
Victories by African teams over the two-time world champions have been relatively few and far between, while never before in three previous attempts have the Elephants got one over on the European giants.
Their performance on Thursday should give Senegal encouragement that the Teranga Lions can also get their Group I campaign off to a positive start when they face Didier Deschamps’ side at the MetLife Stadium on June 16.
…but this was not the ‘real’ France
While the Ivorians (and Senegal) will be massively encouraged by Thursday’s 2-1 triumph, they ought not lose sight of the fact that this was far from the full-strength France team that the Teranga Lions can expect in East Rutherford in 11 days’ time.
France were without William Saliba due to a back injury, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League winning duo Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué did not feature.
Deschamps also made a swathe of changes both at half-time — when France were leading — and after 66 minutes, before Amad Diallo’s 84th-minute winner.
This left the hosts both weakened and disjointed, opening the door for an Ivorian shock, although the Elephants — also without key players and undertaking a raft of second-half substitutes — still deserve immense credit for a superb comeback.
One Doue vs the other
While Desire Doue became a European champion with PSG at the weekend, it was his older brother Guela who stole the plaudits on Thursday.
The rightback equalised for the Ivorians in the 53rd minute when he capitalised on some confused French defending — and another lapse by Ibrahima Konaté — to cap off a fine Ivorian team move and sweep home past Mike Maignan.
Strasbourg’s Doue, who was born in France, sang both countries’ national anthems before the match, before celebrating his goal by kicking the corner flag – emblazoned with the French Football Federation logo.
There was still time for a fond embrace between the two brothers at the final whistle, although it’s Guela who departs the hero as both embark on their respective World Cup campaigns.
“The coach gives me a lot of liberty,” Guela told NCI Television, “and that allows me to have a lot of fun on the pitch, connect with the players who are ahead of me, and I was able to bring a lot to the team today.
“It’s a shame I didn’t get to play against [my brother], as this was our first France-Ivory Coast match, but I’m happy, and he isn’t too fed up.”
Fofana catches the eye in goal
Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae will have been delighted to have seen his goalkeeper Yahia Fofana in such sharp form against France, with the stopper making several key saves to keep the West Africans in touching distance of their opponents.
He could do little to deny Rayan Cherki his magical opener, but the keeper made five saves, and impressed with his leadership, communication and stature in the backline.
Given that the Elephants were without first-choice centreback pairing Odilon Kossounou and Ousmane Diomande (at least until the last 15 minutes), they can be confident that their defensive authority will improve further still before their Group E fixtures against Ecuador, Germany and Curacao.
Nicolas Pépé proves his worth
Despite being overlooked for the Africa Cup of Nations, Villarreal wideman Nicolas Pepê has done enough to force his way back into contention for the World Cup, and followed up his goalscoring display against Scotland in March with another fine showing here.
The former Lille and Arsenal wideman had a hand in 16 goals in 36 La Liga outings this season, and has survived Fae’s cull of more experienced attackers which has cost the likes of Sébastien Haller, Jérémie Boga and Wilfried Zaha their World Cup places.
Pepe is the only attacker in t
Attacking options galore!
All in all, the Ivory Coast can of course feel very pleased with themselves after Thursday’s display, and a victory that should reinforce the brooding belief within the squad that they can make an impact at the World Cup.
Certainly, this crop of players, many of whom were part of the side that won the AFCON on home soil in 2024, should become the first Ivory Coast side ever to reach the knockout stages, succeeding where the Golden Generation failed on three occasions between 2006 and 2014.
Fae’s side have a balanced and imposing defensive unit, an experienced and grizzled midfield – with captain Franck Kessié having returned from injury, while the world may well be sleeping on their elite attacking options.
As well as Pepe, Fae can call upon match-winner Diallo, new call-up Elye Wahi, RB Leipzig and rumoured Paris Saint-Germain target Yan Diomande, as well as wonderkids Ange-Yoan Bonny and Bazoumana Touré among others.
It’s a veritable feast of attacking options, and Fae’s challenge isn’t to find where the offensive threat will come from, but how he packs as many of these forwards into his side without losing the team’s balance and structure.
he squad over the age of 24, and he appears primed to step into a key role after reaffirming his quality again on Thursday.
The attacker showed off his attacking intelligence, technique, speed and agility, while his interplay down the right with Doue should represent a key asset for the Elephants at the World Cup.
Sixteen-year-old Oluwakemi Adegbuyi has been named Player of the Tournament after helping Edo Queens win the 2026 WAFU-B Women’s title and qualify for the 2026/27 CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Nigerian champions defeated Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa 4-1 on penalties after the final ended 2-2 in regulation time in Burkina Faso on Sunday.
Edo Queens looked set to suffer defeat after conceding an early penalty, but they refused to give up and found a late equaliser in the 90+3rd minute to force the game into a shootout.
They held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties while Ampem Darkoa managed just one to claim the WAFU-B crown and secure their place in the Champions League.
Adegbuyi was one of the standout performers throughout the competition.
The Nigeria U-17 international scored twice in Edo Queens’ 3-1 win over ASEC Mimosas, finding the net on her debut before scoring again in her second appearance.
Her impressive displays earned her the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.
The teenager also enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 season with FC Robo Queens, scoring 11 goals during the NWFL Premiership regular season and Super Six playoffs. Her form earned her the NWFL Premiership Player of the Season award.
Adegbuyi has now added the WAFU-B Player of the Tournament prize to her growing collection of individual honours and will be among the players to watch at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco from October 17 to November 7.
Meanwhile, Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa described Edo Queens’ qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League as a remarkable achievement for the state and Nigerian women’s football.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, in Benin, Idahosa praised the players and technical crew for their resilience, discipline and determination.
“The feat is a remarkable achievement that has further placed Edo State at the forefront of women’s football in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.
Idahosa also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s investment in sports development and praised Edo State Sports Commission chairman Amadin Enabulele for his leadership and support.
“I congratulate the players, coaches, technical crew, officials and the entire Edo Queens family on this well-deserved qualification,” Idahosa said.
“You have made Edo State and Nigeria proud. Your victory is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is matched with discipline, commitment and the right investment.
“We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you make an even greater mark on the continental stage.”
Manchester City are preparing an opening bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as manager Enzo Maresca looks to rebuild his midfield before next week’s transfer deadline.
The Argentina international has emerged as a priority target for Maresca following several high-profile departures from the Etihad Stadium this summer. The 25-year-old also shares a strong relationship with his former Chelsea manager, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day before taking charge of City in June.
Chelsea know about City’s interest. Naija News reports that the Blues previously set an unofficial deadline for a potential deal and placed a minimum £120m valuation on Fernandez, but that deadline passed without an agreement.
City are now expected to return for the midfielder before the window closes. A successful move could make Fernandez one of the most expensive signings in Premier League history, behind only Liverpool’s £125 million deal for Alexander Isak.
The Premier League champions have already paid £116 million for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and could break their transfer record for a second time in the same window.
Maresca wants another midfielder after a major reshuffle in the department. Tijjani Reijnders joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah for £52 million; Barcelona signed Rodri for £65 million; Newcastle agreed a £52 million deal for Nico Gonzalez; and Bernardo Silva left earlier in the summer before joining Real Madrid.
Fernandez’s future has remained under scrutiny since Chelsea’s Champions League elimination by Paris Saint-Germain in March. He and his agent, former PSG midfielder Javier Pastore, attracted interest from Real Madrid, although the Spanish giants later issued a statement denying any attempt to sign the midfielder.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso also revealed in July that he had held a private conversation with Fernandez, who joined the club from Benfica for £107m in 2023, but declined to disclose what they discussed.
The midfielder came on as a second-half substitute during Monday’s 3-2 win over Fulham and faced boos from home supporters over his role in England’s World Cup exit. After celebrating briefly with the travelling fans and his teammates, Fernandez headed straight down the tunnel at the final whistle.
Coventry sign Pinnock from Brentford
Meanwhile, Coventry City have completed the signing of Jamaica centre-back Ethan Pinnock from Brentford for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £6m.
The 33-year-old joins the Sky Blues after six years with Brentford, where he made 216 appearances and scored 12 goals. He arrived at the West London club from Barnsley in 2019 and played an important role in their promotion to the Premier League.
Pinnock, however, lost his regular place in Brentford’s starting side and made only eight appearances in all competitions last season.
“I’m really excited to join Coventry City and continue my footballing journey with this great club,” Pinnock said.
“After 25 years, the club are back in the Premier League, and I know how much it must mean to everyone involved. I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Pinnock becomes Coventry’s 10th signing of the summer and their second defensive addition after Aurele Amenda arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in July.
He also joins former Brentford teammate Frank Onyeka at Coventry. The Sky Blues have spent more than £100m this summer as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Chelsea make Martinez enquiries
Chelsea are also considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after making contact with the Argentina international’s representatives.
Villa could allow the 33-year-old to leave after signing Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m earlier this month.
A move for Martinez could lead to further business between Chelsea and Villa. Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers for a club-record £117m, while Alejandro Garnacho moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan deal. Nicolas Jackson, valued at around £65m, could also join Villa and reunite with former manager Unai Emery.
The clubs have developed a strong transfer relationship and previously completed a deal widely described as a PSR swap, which took Ian Maatsen to Villa and Omari Kellyman to Chelsea.
Juventus also tried to sign Martinez earlier in the window, but the move collapsed amid concerns over a finger injury. The Italian club instead signed Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on loan.
Chelsea’s interest comes amid growing concerns over Robert Sanchez’s recent performances. The Spaniard was beaten at his near post by Josh King against Fulham before spilling another effort into a dangerous area, allowing Gonzalo Garcia to score in Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Craven Cottage.
Chelsea’s second-choice goalkeeper Mike Penders, who returned from a successful loan spell at Strasbourg this summer, could start against Luton.
Manchester City midfielder Nico O’Reilly has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season.
The 21-year-old was announced as the winner at the 53rd annual PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Tuesday.
O’Reilly emerged ahead of five other nominees after players voted for their preferred candidate in the category.
The other nominees were Manchester City teammate Rayan Cherki, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman, Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.
The PFA Young Player of the Year award is determined by votes from professional footballers, with players recognising the outstanding young performers from the season.
O’Reilly enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with City, featuring in 53 matches across competitions and contributing directly to 15 goals. He impressed in both midfield and at left-back during the season.
His performances had already earned him the Premier League Young Player of the Season award, with the league describing the England international as one of the standout young players of the 2025/26 campaign.
O’Reilly was also instrumental in Manchester City’s domestic campaign, including scoring both goals in the club’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
His latest recognition makes him one of the young players to have enjoyed the biggest breakthrough seasons in English football, having established himself as an important member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
O’Reilly’s victory also means Manchester City continue their strong record in the PFA Young Player of the Year category, with the club having produced previous winners including Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.
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