Sports
FA Identify ‘Number Of Candidates’ To Replace Southgate As England Boss
The Football Association have identified a “number of candidates” to replace Gareth Southgate as they search for an England manager capable of “winning a major tournament”.
Southgate resigned on Tuesday in the aftermath of England’s Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain.
The end of Southgate’s eight-year reign forced the FA into a selection search that saw them linked with a host of candidates.
Among the bookmakers’ favourites are Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea bosses Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, and Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou.
However, the FA insists that the process is open to anyone who meets the criteria published on Friday in a job profile detailing the qualities required of the next England manager.
The text of the role profile stated: “Our succession planning process has already identified a number of candidates; in addition to this we are committed to open recruitment processes in the football industry.
”While Southgate earned plaudits for restoring England’s tarnished reputation, he failed to end the country’s wait for a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
After successive European Championship final defeats and a 2018 World Cup semi-final loss, finally winning a major prize with a squad packed with world-class talent is clearly the top priority for Southgate’s successor.
The FA said they are looking for a manager able to “lead and develop the England senior men’s team to win a major tournament and be consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the world”.
The right person would also provide “inspiring leadership” to the FA’s technical team and develop and maintain strong relationships with clubs that employ English-qualified players.
The successful candidate would need to hold a UEFA Pro Licence, possess “significant experience” of English football and have “a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions”.
In a pointed reference to the criticism Southgate endured during his time in a role once dubbed the “impossible job” by then England boss Graham Taylor, the FA highlighted the need for an “exceptional leader”, “highly resilient” and “comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny”.
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, the FA welcomed applications from everyone who meets the criteria.
England Women’s coach Sarina Wiegman, who led the team to victory at the Women’s European Championship in 2022, has been linked with replacing Southgate.
The profile includes an email address for interested applicants, potentially opening the way for the FA to be deluged with offers from fans rather than genuine candidates.
The governing body has set August 2 as the closing date for applications.
England’s first match of the new season is a Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland on September 7.
Sports
CAF announces free e-visas for fans attending AFCON Morocco 2025
“Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026,” said CAF.
The Confederation of African Football and the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee on Friday announced that fans travelling to the tournament will be eligible for free electronic visas.
In a statement on its website, CAF said that the policy benefits citizens of countries that normally require a visa to enter Morocco.
“Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026,” said CAF.
The governing body said the announcement comes amid growing global demand for Africa’s biggest football event, with more fans booking tickets.
It explained that fans need two documents, a fan identification and an e-visa, to stay in Morocco and enter football stadiums throughout the tournament.“A Fan ID is mandatory for entry to all stadiums and official Fan Areas.
Supporters can apply for both the Fan ID and e-visa in one place inside the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium access.
Sports
2026 WCQ: Bassey declares Super Eagles ready for battle against Gabon
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The match takes place on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco, against Éric Chelle’s Panthers.
The Super Eagles overcame a slow start in the qualifiers to secure their place in the playoffs, and Bassey says the squad is now fully focused on achieving victory.
“I think we started very slow, but hope has been restored. We just have to make sure that we keep going and take the game as it comes. We are Nigeria, a massive nation, and we know there is a lot of expectation and responsibility,” Bassey told Sporty TV.
The encounter, which carries high stakes for both teams, is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Analysts expect a tightly contested match, as Gabon, led by Chelle, have also shown resilience in the qualifiers.
With strong backing from Nigerian supporters both at home and in Morocco, the Super Eagles are aiming to continue their impressive run and book a place in the final stage of the World Cup playoffs. Bassey emphasized that the team is focused on maintaining composure and executing their game plan effectively under the high-pressure environment.
“We understand the expectations of our nation, and the unity and support from our fans give us an extra boost. It’s time to show the world the quality of Nigerian football,” Bassey added.
Tonight’s match is poised to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, with both teams vying for a place in the final and a step closer to qualification.
Sports
JUST IN: Falconets defeat Ghana in WAFU B opener
Nigeria’s Falconets began their WAFU B Women’s Cup campaign on a winning note, defeating Ghana’s Black Princesses 3–1 in their opening match on Saturday.
Janet Akeremkowei was the standout performer, scoring twice for Nigeria, while Favour Nkwocha added a third goal to seal the victory.
Akeremkowei opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 40th minute, setting the tone for a dominant display by the Falconets against their West African rivals.
The win places Nigeria in a strong position as they aim to progress from the group stage and contend for the regional title.
Both teams are expected to return to action later in the week as the tournament continues.
-
Sports2 days agoCAF announces free e-visas for fans attending AFCON Morocco 2025
-
News3 days agoLagos govt clears beggars, street occupants along Ketu-Alapere corridor
-
News3 days agoNduka Obaigbena to Launch Leekeeleekee, A New Media Platform in January
-
News3 days agoNMPRDA Urges Nigerians to Avoid Panic Buying of Petrol and Diesel This Season
-
Sports3 days ago2026 WCQ: Bassey declares Super Eagles ready for battle against Gabon
-
News2 days agoParliamentary Workers set for full-scale nationwide strike
-
Business3 days agoNigerian govt suspends implementation of 15% petrol import duty
-
News2 days agoMultiple Accident on Karu Bridge Abuja (Video)
