The Federal Government’s ₦12 billion intervention fund, allocated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for player wages and bonuses, is currently under review by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), according to Sahara Reporters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The scrutiny came to light when the NFF turned down an application filed under the Freedom of Information Act by the law firm Cromwell & Okeke. The firm had formally requested financial statements, utilization logs, and related records concerning the multi-billion naira disbursement.

In a letter dated August 18, 2026, and signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the NFF General Secretary, the football body stated that it could not fulfill the request. The federation explained that all relevant documentation regarding the ₦12 billion fund has been handed over to the EFCC and ICPC as part of their ongoing inquiries.

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has dismissed speculation linking the club with a move for Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, insisting that the squad already features the finest players in the world.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Mourinho’s Stance: Addressing rumors on social media, Mourinho stated plainly, “I won’t sign him. We already have the best players,” acknowledging the teenager’s immense talent while closing the door on any potential transfer.

• New Additions: While Yamal is not on the radar, Mourinho commented on the arrival of young winger Yan Diomande, noting that while he didn’t explicitly request the signing, he is thrilled to have the versatile attacker on board.

• Upcoming Fixtures: Real Madrid are gearing up to kick off their domestic league campaign away against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

Nigeria international Alhassan Yusuf delivered a masterclass on Wednesday, netting a stellar hat-trick to lead the New England Revolution to a 3-0 victory over D.C. United and snap a three-game winless slump in Major League Soccer. His match-winning display also earned him the Man of the Match accolade, bringing his season stats to five goals and two assists across 20 appearances.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 26-year-old midfielder broke the deadlock with a 23rd-minute header before grabbing his second right before the break by tapping home a close-range volley in the 45th minute. He capped off his historic night in the 66th minute, rising to nod in a precise cross and seal the comfortable win.

This milestone performance makes Yusuf only the eighth player in New England history to score a regular-season MLS hat-trick—and the first to do so since Kei Kamara accomplished the feat against the same opponent back in September 2017.

Before making waves in the United States, the Kano native built an impressive resume in Europe. Discovered during the Gothia Cup with the Tiki-Taka Academy, he earned a move to Sweden’s IFK Göteborg before transferring to Belgian side Antwerp in July 2021, where he famously helped the club secure a historic league and cup double in the 2022-23 season. On the international stage, Yusuf continues to shine for the Super Eagles, having won a silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and recently helping Nigeria claim the 2026 Unity Cup in England.