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Tributes To NRA President Sanni Zubairu

The Bauchi-born Zubairu was elected president of the NRA during the 2023 delegates’ conference held in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

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The President of Nigeria Referees Association ((NRA) Sanni Zubairu, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness and has since been buried in Bauchi according to Islamic rites.

The Bauchi-born Zubairu was elected president of the NRA during the 2023 delegates’ conference held in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Zubairu was a former FIFA referee and also served as Head of the Refereeing Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation and secretary of its Referees Committee.

The Nigeria Football Federation led tributes to the late Zubairu in a statement shared on Tuesday.

“Hon. Zubairu was a very diligent and astute worker. Subordinates, colleagues and superiors all loved him for his simplicity and uncommon humility.

He served Nigeria meritoriously on the field and in the office, working assiduously to impart knowledge and raise new generations of referees who would make Nigeria proud at home and internationally,” the General Secretary of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi, said.

A statement from the NRA, signed by its deputy president, Kelechi Mejuobi, said “The association is deeply pained over his demise, especially at a time when his wealth of experience and services to the referees’ body and the football family in Nigeria and beyond are greatly needed.”

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye, also commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and the NRA, describing his contributions to the development of the league as a lasting legacy for active and aspiring referees.

Former Nigerian champions, Enyimba FC and Kano Pillars FC, also led tributes from Nigerian clubs.“Alhaji Sanni Zubairu was a seasoned referee who transitioned into leadership with remarkable influence.

His immense contributions to the development of refereeing in Nigeria and his role in strengthening the football ecosystem will not be forgotten in a hurry,” Enyimba chairman and former international, Nwankwo Kanu, said.

General Manager of Kano Pillars and former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, also said, “His demise has created a huge vacuum within the Nigerian football community, where he was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to improving refereeing standards and advancing the development of match officials across the country.

“Kano Pillars FC stands in solidarity with the Nigerian football community at this difficult time and prays for strength and comfort for all those affected by this great loss.

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Van Bommel set to take over as Belgium coach – Reports

Van Bommel has been without a team since departing Belgian top-flight club Antwerp in June 2024, a year after having guided them to a first league title in 66 years.

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Former Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel is set to take over as coach of the Belgium national team, local media reported Wednesday.

Van Bommel has been without a team since departing Belgian top-flight club Antwerp in June 2024, a year after having guided them to a first league title in 66 years.

Van Bommel and the Belgian football federation (RBFA) have come to an agreement that will see the 49-year-old sign a contract in the coming days to take charge of the Red Devils through to Euro 2028, according to Flemish daily Het Laatste Nieuws.

After hanging up his boots in 2013, Van Bommel has cut his teeth as coach of PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and Antwerp.

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Football Legend Kevin Keegan Dies Aged 75 After Cancer Battle

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Kevin Keegan, one of English football’s greatest players and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has died at the age of 75 following a battle with cancer.

The former England captain, forward, and manager — affectionately known as “King Kev” or “Mighty Mouse” — passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026. His family confirmed the news and requested privacy while thanking the medical team for their care during his illness.

Keegan enjoyed a glittering playing career that saw him rise from humble beginnings in Doncaster to become a global superstar. He shone brightest at Liverpool, where he won multiple league titles and European Cups, before enjoying successful spells at Hamburg, Newcastle United, and Southampton. He earned 63 caps for England, captaining the national side, and was twice named European Footballer of the Year (1978 and 1979).

After retiring as a player, Keegan transitioned into management. He enjoyed notable success with Newcastle United in the 1990s, transforming them into Premier League title challengers, and later managed England between 1999 and 2000. His charismatic personality and attacking philosophy left a lasting impression on the clubs and players he worked with.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Newcastle United described him as the “beating heart” for generations of fans. Former player Alan Shearer called him “My Hero. My manager. My friend.” Liverpool, Manchester City, and the England national team have also paid respects, with plans to honor him at Wembley Stadium in September.

Keegan had been open about his stage four cancer diagnosis earlier in 2026, which followed an initial revelation in January. He remained positive and engaged with fans during his treatment.

Details of funeral arrangements have not yet been released. Football fans and former colleagues will remember Keegan as a dynamic talent whose energy, skill, and leadership defined an era of the sport.

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Neymar Buys £17M Superyacht After World Cup Heartbreak

The acquisition places Neymar alongside fellow football enthusiasts Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent £5.5m on his yacht in 2020, and David Beckham.

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Neymar Jr. has purchased a £17 million superyacht, completing the deal after Brazil’s shocking round-of-16 exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Norway.

The Santos forward’s new vessel, christened “Enejota” — a phonetic play on the Portuguese pronunciation of his initials “NJ” — is a meticulously refurbished cargo ship constructed in Brazil.

Measuring over 46 metres in length with a usable area of 800 square metres, the yacht recently docked in Angra dos Reis, within the state of Rio de Janeiro.

It is powered by four Caterpillar engines, each producing 1,450 horsepower.

The acquisition places Neymar alongside fellow football enthusiasts Cristiano Ronaldo, who spent £5.5m on his yacht in 2020, and David Beckham.

However, the timing of the purchase follows what the forward described as a painful conclusion to his international career.

Neymar confirmed his retirement from the Brazilian national team immediately following the 2-1 loss to Norway, a match in which he scored his 80th and final goal for the Selecao.

Speaking to Globo after the emotional defeat, he said: “I tried, I tried.”

As the “Enejota” now sits in the waters of Rio de Janeiro, the 34-year-old enters a new chapter — one that includes a luxury sanctuary from media scrutiny and a net worth capable of absorbing eight-figure purchases on a whim.

(Leadership)

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