Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Daniel Kanu listed for League Two Player of the Month
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Daniel Kanu listed for League Two Player of the Month

Daniel Kanu has been nominated for the PFA League Two Fans’ Player of the Month award for November following his exceptional goal scoring form.

Walsall’s on-loan striker from Charlton Athletic, Daniel Kanu, has been nominated for the PFA’s League Two Fans’ Player of the Month for November.

Since joining Walsall in the summer, Kanu has made a significant impact, netting eight goals in just sixteen first-team appearances. Notably, he scored four of those goals in November alone, placing him among the standout performers in the entire EFL.

Kanu is in good company, competing for the award alongside former Saddler Emmanuel Monthé of Oldham Athletic, Harry Anderson from Colchester United, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing of Milton Keynes Dons, Ollie Palmer from Swindon Town, and Omar Sowunmi of Bromley.

You can cast your vote here. bit.ly/3YbF9Ny

Sierra Leone's Kallum Cesay voted Player of the Match in Salford's win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay voted Player of the Match in Salford’s win

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay was voted Salford's Player of the Match as the League Two side advanced to the FA Cup third round for the second consecutive season with an impressive 4-0 victory over League One side Leyton Orient at the Peninsula Stadium.

In a challenging pitch, Orient’s goalkeeper, Killian Cahill, inadvertently scored an own goal from Kadeem Harris’s cross, putting Salford ahead just 23 minutes into the match.

Sierra Leone’s Kallum Cesay doubled the lead with a curling shot near the hour mark, following another strong run from Harris. Substitute Fabio Borini quickly made an impact by scoring shortly after coming on, and Kelly N’Mai capped off the scoring in stoppage time with a shot from the edge of the box. Salford dominated throughout, with Cahill previously denying Luke Garbutt a strong effort.

Before halftime, Cahill spilt a free kick, allowing Daniel Udoh to hit the post with a close-range chance. After Cesay’s goal, he set up Josh Austerfield, who shot over from a good position. Salford has now won their last three FA Cup matches against League One teams.

Looking ahead, Salford will learn their next opponents during Monday’s draw at 18:40 GMT before the Brackley Town vs. Burton Albion match.

Head coach Karl Robinson praised his players and expressed confidence as they aim for a higher league, humorously noting he doesn’t want a draw against Man City away.

African teams know their 2026 FIFA World Cup opponents
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African teams know their 2026 FIFA World Cup opponents

Africa’s teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup learned their group assignments in Washington D.C. on Friday.

The expanded tournament will include 48 teams, and Africa will have nine qualified teams, with the DR Congo hoping to join through play-offs.

Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team and semi-finalists in 2022, is in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. This matchup with Brazil will attract global attention.

South Africa returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, placed in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and the European play-off winner, aiming for its first knockout stage.

Ivory Coast, champions in 2015 and 2023, competes in Group E alongside Germany, Curaçao, and Ecuador, eyeing progression despite Germany’s strength.

Tunisia, in Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and a European play-off winner, hopes to capitalise on opportunities against Japan and the play-off team.

Egypt, back since 2018, finds itself in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, presenting a decent chance to advance.

Cape Verde debuts in Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, marking a historic moment for the team.

Algeria faces Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J, with the match against Argentina highly anticipated.

Senegal, Africa’s second-highest-ranked team, is in Group I with France, Norway, and a South American–Asian play-off winner, presenting a tough challenge.

Ghana joins Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama, seeking to regain its strong World Cup form.

DR Congo could join Group K if they win their playoff against Jamaica and Iraq, facing Portugal, Colombia, and another playoff winner.

Africa’s World Cup journey promises exciting matchups and new opportunities.

The 2026 World Cup groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, European Play-Off D winner (Czechia, Denmark, North Macedonia or the Republic of Ireland)

Group B: Canada, European Play-Off A winner (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland or Wales), Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, European Play-Off C winner (Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye)

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, European Play-Off B winner (Albania, Poland, Sweden or Ukraine), Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner 2 (Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname), Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Play-Off Tournament winner 1 (DR Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia), Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama 

Alex Bangura makes his Middlesbrough long-awaited return
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura makes his long-awaited Middlesbrough return

Alex Bangura made his long-awaited return to the starting lineup as Middlesbrough FC defeated Derby 2-1 on Saturday. The Sierra Leone International made his first appearance since December 2023.

After the match, the Sierra Leone International struggled to find the words to express his emotions following his comeback.

In a surprising move, Bangura was given a starting position in Kim Hellberg’s inaugural game as Boro manager. He showcased his talent during the 2-1 victory over Derby, earning the man of the match award from the supporters for his impressive performance.

This match marked Bangura’s first competitive start since the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which took place 22 months ago, making his contribution even more remarkable.

Since joining Boro from Cambuur in the summer of 2023, Bangura has endured a challenging period. His first season was plagued by injuries, resulting in just 19 appearances, and he was forced to sit out the entirety of last season after suffering an Achilles injury early in pre-season.

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria's Super Eagles as skipper retires
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Big AFCON 2025 blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as skipper retires

William Troost-Ekong has decided to retire from international football. This means he will not play for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision comes just days before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21, where Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The 31-year-old centre-back Troost-Ekong was recently part of Eric Chelle’s preliminary squad for the tournament in Morocco, but has chosen to step aside to allow younger players to take the stage.

He earned 83 caps for the Super Eagles, making his debut under Stephen Keshi in 2015. His last match was a 4-1 win over Gabon before Nigeria’s elimination from World Cup qualifying.

Troost-Ekong participated in the 2018 World Cup and three AFCON tournaments, winning bronze in 2019 and silver in 2023, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, highlighting his growth from a boy in the Netherlands to captain of the Super Eagles.

With accomplishments including 83 caps, participation in five major tournaments, and three medals, he felt fulfilled in his journey. He emphasised the importance of passing the captaincy to the next generation to continue their legacy.