Norway national team manager Ståle Solbakken has firmly denied allegations that Manchester City pressured him to shield star striker Erling Haaland from questions concerning the club’s financial breach case during international duty.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Media reports had previously claimed that club officials intervened behind the scenes to restrict Haaland’s media exposure. However, speaking to TribalFootball, Solbakken rejected these accusations entirely, emphasizing that Manchester City had no influence over his handling of media duties. He noted that the last time he ever discussed media matters with the club was during Haaland’s transition from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City.

Key Highlights from Solbakken’s Statement

• Solbakken labeled the rumors a “lie,” stating that such claims compromise his personal integrity and his commitment to honesty with the national team.

• The manager clarified that the choice to exempt Haaland from specific media obligations was entirely his own decision, made without informing or consulting either Haaland or Manchester City.

• Expressing frustration over persistent club-level controversies overshadowing international windows, Solbakken urged journalists to focus on Haaland’s athletic performance on the pitch rather than fabricated cover-up stories.

Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has called on African engineers and governments to adopt stronger engineering standards, prioritise regular maintenance and deepen regional cooperation in developing infrastructure capable of meeting the continent’s growing needs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has extended heartfelt tributes to veteran Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale following her official retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 16-year journey representing Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At 34 years of age, Ohale announced her retirement, marking the end of an era defined by immense dedication. Her legendary career includes representing Nigeria across four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) editions, ultimately clinching five WAFCON titles for the country.

Reflecting on her departure from the national team, Ohale shared an emotional statement on Instagram:

“After 16 years of wearing the Nigeria jersey, representing my country and giving everything I had for this beautiful sport, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football… I gave this jersey my youth, my strength, my sweat, my tears, and my heart. And if I had to do it all over again, I would choose Nigeria every single time.”

She concluded her farewell message with deep appreciation, stating that she steps away from international duty carrying 86 total appearances, zero regrets, and boundless gratitude for her teammates, fans, and the nation.

Joining the global wave of recognition, CAF honored her monumental impact on African women’s football via social media, writing:

“Five WAFCON titles. One immortal legacy. Thank you Ohale for every battle, every trophy and every memory.”