Category: Sport News

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Nigerian International Finidi quits Super Eagles job

Finidi George has resigned as coach of the Super Eagles, stating, “I won’t work under another coach in the Super Eagles.”

This decision followed the NFF’s option to appoint a foreign coach after the team failed to win the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.

During Finidi’s tenure, the Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to the Benin Republic in Abidjan after a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

These results leave the Super Eagles winless after four matches, putting them in fifth place in Group C with just three points and jeopardizing Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Finidi, appointed as the substantive coach in April after serving as an assistant to Jose Peseiro, had his position reconsidered by the NFF due to the recent poor results.

The 53-year-old coach succeeded the Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who left his post after his contract ended in February and had previously worked as Peseiro’s assistant for 20 months.

Crystal Palace have made their first summer signing with the arrival of Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad, in a deal worth £12m plus £2m in add-ons.
by FSL News

Morocco’s Chadi Riad joins Premiership side Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have made their first summer signing with the arrival of Morocco centre-back Chadi Riad.

The 20-year-old, who moved to Real Betis on loan from Barcelona last summer before making the move permanent, has joined the Eagles, external on a contract until June 2029.

Riad made 30 appearances for Betis in all competitions during the past campaign and helped them finish seventh in La Liga.

“As a full international at just 20 years old, Chadi is an exciting young player who we are delighted to be able to welcome to the club,” said Palace chairman Steve Parish.

Riad added: “I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays.

“The club has high-level players who are young and I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown.”

Riad was selected for the senior Morocco national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his debut in a 3–1 pre-tournament friendly win over Sierra Leone on 11 January 2024.

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle's contract.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali Fédération part ways with coach Eric Sékou Chelle

The Fédération Malienne de Football (FEMAFOOT) has immediately terminated senior national team coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s contract.

In a statement reported on national television, no reason was given for the decision. The sacking occurred days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg.

The decision was unanimously made by the Executive Committee in an extraordinary session, with the approval of the relevant authorities on Thursday.

Mali suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Ghana at the Stade du Mars in Bamako last week before drawing with a ten-man Madagascar on Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Malian Eagles face a tough challenge in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, as they currently have just five points after four matches.

FEMAFOOT has expressed its gratitude to Sekou Chelle for his leadership of the national team and has also thanked the Department of Sports for their ongoing support.

Malian football is entering a new chapter as the federation seeks a new coach. Mali is among several African nations making changes to their coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 qualifiers.

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July
by FSL News

Sierra Leone to know AFCON 2025 qualifying opponents in July

Sierra Leone will find out their group opponents for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. (Photo Credit SLFA)

The draw will take place at SuperSport studios in South Africa at 14:30 local time (15:30 Cairo time, 12:30 GMT).

The Leone Stars did not qualify for the AFCON in Ivory Coast as they finished third in Group A behind Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.

This time, the Leone Stars are expected to be in Pot Three. A total of 48 nations, including four preliminary round winners, will be drawn into 12 groups, with each group consisting of four teams.

The qualifiers will begin in September 2024 to determine the initial 24 nations competing in Africa’s largest event.

The event will feature CAF legends, team representatives, and members of the Local Organizing Committee.

A Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Third straight Sierra Leone League Title For Bo Rangers

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.

This victory gave the Southern Province side an insurmountable fifteen-point lead over their closest rivals, Bhantal FC.

Since 2019, they made history as the first team from outside the capital city of Freetown to achieve a remarkable feat by winning the Sierra Leone Premier League three consecutive times.

Additionally, they have the opportunity to claim a league-and-cup double when they face East End Lions in the FA Cup final, pending a decision on the date by the authorities.

Suffian Kalokoh and Kwame Mketiah each scored a goal, giving Bo Rangers a two-goal lead before Wusum’s Paul Jackson Kama netted one back in the 72nd minute. Despite this, Bo Rangers managed to hold on to their lead and secure maximum points.

Coach John Keister reflected on the success, expressing his pride in being a title-winning coach once again.

He acknowledged the challenges of leading a club that had previously won the title twice, but he emphasized the collective pride in their achievements. Keister also shared his personal satisfaction in accomplishing this for the people of Bo City.

Bo Rangers have now secured their third title since the revamp of the Sierra Leone top tier in 2019, with Keister securing his second title in the same period.

Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.
Bo Rangers secured their third consecutive Sierra Leone Premier League title with three games to spare on Wednesday, defeating Wusum Stars 2-1.