Argentina have suffered a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay in their first match since Lionel Messi ended his international career.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 2026 World Cup runners-up struggled to adjust without their former captain and all-time leading goalscorer as Uruguay claimed victory in Friday’s friendly encounter.

Two second-half goals, including an own goal by Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi, put Uruguay in control before Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez scored to reduce the deficit.

The result also marked the third victory for Uruguay manager Diego Forlan since taking charge of the national team.

Argentina struggled to break through Uruguay’s defence, with Nico Paz coming closest to finding the net in the first half. However, his attempt was denied by Uruguay goalkeeper Cristopher Fiermarin.

Uruguay took the lead shortly after the restart following a free-kick delivered from the left by Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez attempted to clear the ball with his head, but his effort struck teammate Balerdi before finding its way into the net.

Uruguay extended their advantage in the 53rd minute through Maxi Araujo.

De Arrascaeta again played a key role, delivering a corner kick that appeared to hit Araujo’s shoulder before looping into the goal.

Argentina responded in the 73rd minute when Alvarez found the net to give his side hope of securing a comeback.

The Atletico Madrid striker had another opportunity to level the score during stoppage time, but Uruguay held firm to preserve their 2-1 lead.

The encounter was Argentina’s first since Messi featured in an emotional farewell friendly against Benin last month, marking the end of his international career.

The 39-year-old retired from international football after recording 207 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina.

His departure marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football, during which he guided the national team to several major honours.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early lead in the second minute after connecting with a pass from Ademola Lookman in the Group L encounter.

However, Tanzania drew level in the 32nd minute through Alphonce Mabula Msanga, who converted an assist from Novatus Miroshi.

Nigeria suffered a setback shortly before the break when Lookman picked up an injury and was replaced by Moses Simon in the 45th minute.

Head coach Eric Chelle made two changes at the beginning of the second half, bringing on Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor, who both contributed significantly to the victory.

Arokodare restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a header from Wilfred Ndidi’s cross before extending the advantage eight minutes later.

The striker completed his brace in the 60th minute, calmly converting a pass from fellow substitute Usor to put the Super Eagles firmly in control.

Nigeria held on to their two-goal advantage until the final whistle, securing all three points.

The victory moves the Super Eagles to second place in Group L with six points from three matches, one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have seven.

Madagascar sit third with two points, while Tanzania remain at the bottom of the group with one Point.

Flamingos captain, Harmony Chidi, has disclosed that her mother wanted her to get married rather than pursue a career in football after the early death of her father.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 17-year-old revealed that her grandmother, however, supported her ambition and encouraged her to continue playing football despite her mother’s opposition.

Chidi, who recently captained Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team to a historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory in Morocco, shared her experience during an interview with BBC Pidgin.

According to the young footballer, her grandmother played a significant role in keeping her football dream alive, although she has since passed away.

She said, “When I started football, my mother didn’t want me to play. My father died early, so my mother wanted me to get married. It was my grandmother who stood by me and pushed me to play football. Unfortunately, my grandmother is late.”

The Bayelsa Queens striker also acknowledged the contribution of her foster father, Prince Chidi, whom she credited with helping her overcome challenges and providing the support she needed to pursue her ambition.

Prince Chidi, who owns her grassroots club, Imo Strikers, reportedly encouraged her to remain focused on achieving her football dreams.

Chidi said, “It wasn’t easy until I met my foster father, Prince Chidi. He is the owner of my grassroots team, Imo Strikers, and he encourages me, making sure that I achieve my dream.”

The teenager also recounted how a serious injury nearly brought her football career to an end and prevented her from representing Nigeria at the previous edition of the U-17 Women’s World Cup.

She described the injury as the toughest period of her career, revealing that some of her friends abandoned her while she struggled to recover.

“There is nothing that has been more difficult than my injury. It is an injury that has killed the dream of many players in Nigeria. All my friends deserted me and it was tough. I even thought of an alternative plan,” she said.

However, Chidi eventually recovered and returned to the pitch, leading Nigeria to its first-ever title in the competition.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Despite the historic achievement, the young captain said she remains determined to reach greater heights in her football career.

She listed Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Nigerian women’s football star Asisat Oshoala among the players she admires and hopes to surpass.

“I have like five players that I want to be like: Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Raphinha and Asisat Oshoala. I want to be greater than them,” she said.