Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has called on the Super Eagles to show aggression and intensity when they host Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday.

The match will be the fifth meeting between the two nations in AFCON qualifying. Nigeria, three-time African champions, have not lost any of the previous four encounters, winning three and drawing one.

Chelle said his players had completed their final training session and were ready for the start of the qualifying campaign, while acknowledging the pressure surrounding the national team.

“We want to stay focus on our group and our team, this is our job, to manage the pressure,” Chelle said at his pre-match news conference on Thursday. “The qualifiers start tomorrow, we have to be ready first for the group and for us and after, of course for the country.”

“There’s a big game tomorrow, we had the last training session to prepare for this game. This team has a good ranking in the world, so we are motivated and the first idea is to give the signal to everybody, every nation who Nigeria is.”

The coach said the squad were in a positive frame of mind and understood what would be required against Madagascar.

“My players are in a good state of mind, they understand everything and like I said this is not a question of to win or lose, this is a question of state of mind,” he added.

Chelle also called for a forceful performance from the Super Eagles and urged them to move on from the difficulties of last year.

“We are in Uyo and the opponent needs to know they are coming to hell, I want my player to be very aggressive, put a lot of intensity,” he said. “We have to go forward and try to forget about what happened last year, to be ambitious at every moment, every training session, every game and if we do that, of course, we can hope to win every game.”

Nigeria will be seeking a positive beginning after a disappointing start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles entered those qualifiers as clear favourites to secure the group’s sole automatic qualification place. However, they struggled in their first four matches, collecting only three points in a section that also included South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Rwanda and Benin Republic.

Friday’s fixture gives Chelle’s side the opportunity to start their latest qualifying campaign strongly, with Madagascar providing the first test in Uyo.

Moses Simon will be recognised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if he makes his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles against Madagascar on Friday.

The milestone could come in Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, with the NFF preparing a special honour for the Paris FC winger should he feature.

Simon, 31, is one of Nigeria’s most experienced players after a decade in international football. He made his Super Eagles debut in March 2015, coming on for Anthony Ujah in the 59th minute of a friendly against Uganda.

Since then, Simon has recorded 99 appearances for the three-time African champions. His international record includes 64 competitive matches and 35 friendlies.

He has played 23 times at Africa Cup of Nations finals and has also featured in 22 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Simon has scored 11 goals for Nigeria and is now on the verge of joining the select group of Nigerian players to have reached 100 caps.

A milestone appearance against Madagascar would add another notable achievement to his international career, while also giving the NFF an opportunity to formally mark his contribution to the Super Eagles.

Frank Onyeka says Nigeria must set out to win every match as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria will face Madagascar’s Barea in their opening qualifier at home in Uyo on Friday, with Onyeka underlining the importance of making a strong start.

“Just like every other match that we’ll be playing, we have to win every game,” the Brentford midfielder told journalists during a media parley in Uyo.

The fixture will be Nigeria’s first competitive focus since they missed out on qualification for the World Cup, a disappointment Onyeka acknowledged while looking ahead to the next Africa Cup of Nations.

“I know we’re quite disappointed not to qualify for the World Cup, but now we’re back,” he said. “We have something to prepare for, which is the AFCON next year.”

Onyeka said playing in front of their own supporters made victory against Madagascar particularly important, but warned Nigeria could not afford to underestimate their opponents.

“So, I guess we’ll take every game as it comes, but for us, we want to win this game, especially when we’re playing on our own ground,” he added. “We don’t underestimate anything.”

The midfielder said the Super Eagles were concentrating on their own performance rather than placing undue emphasis on Madagascar.

“We focus only on ourselves. We don’t focus on the opponent,” Onyeka said. “We have to play well to win. That’s what we’re focusing on: to play well and win.”

George Ilenikhena says he is ready to make his Nigeria debut after receiving his first call-up for the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad striker was selected by head coach Eric Chelle for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria begin their campaign against Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with Ilenikhena hoping to feature for the three-time African champions.

“It is an honour to be here. I am proud and happy to be part of this big national team, and for me, it’s a big deal,” Ilenikhena said at a media parley in Uyo.

“I am just 20 years old, and I am here with big and already accomplished players.”

The forward said he had quickly settled into the squad after joining the camp on Tuesday, adding that the atmosphere had made his first experience with the national team a positive one.

“The team spirit is very good. I just arrived yesterday (Tuesday), and I can see that everyone is together like a big family, and that’s very good,” he said.

Ilenikhena has also made clear that he is prepared to take his opportunity if Chelle selects him for the match against Madagascar.

“I am very excited. I will give my best, like always. I will give my best when the coach puts me on the pitch and help the team in the best way I can,” he added.

The striker said the Super Eagles were focused on beginning the qualifying campaign with victory.

“We are ready and excited to play this first game, and we are preparing in the best way to win on Friday.”

Anis Ouzenadji is emerging as one of the most promising young players at ESTAC Troyes after progressing from the club’s academy to international football with Algeria U23.

The 19-year-old left-back, born in Aubervilliers in 2006, joined Troyes’ youth system in 2021. He quickly attracted attention with a series of impressive displays in the Coupe Gambardella, helping him move through the club’s age-group teams.

Ouzenadji signed his first professional contract at the beginning of 2024 and subsequently began to make appearances for the senior side. In 2026, he was part of the Troyes team that won the Ligue 2 title and secured a return to the top flight.

A new international path

Ouzenadji represented France at under-19 level before deciding to play internationally for Algeria. That choice has given him a further opportunity to build his career on the international stage.

In September 2026, he received his first call-up to the Algeria U23 squad for a match against South Africa. The team is managed by Rafik Saifi.

The occasion carried particular significance for the young defender, who described receiving the call-up as a “great source of pride”.

An attacking-minded full-back

Although primarily deployed at left-back, Ouzenadji has an approach that allows him to contribute prominently in attack. His delivery and quality on the ball encourage him to push forward regularly, while his crossing can create danger in the final third.

He is also prepared to test opposing goalkeepers himself. During his time in Ligue 2, he made his mark with a powerful volley, underlining his willingness to move beyond a purely defensive role.

Ouzenadji has already registered an assist in Ligue 1, offering further evidence of his ability to influence matches in the attacking phase despite his age and limited experience at the highest level.

Market value rises sharply

His development has also been reflected in his market valuation. Ouzenadji’s estimated value has increased from 500,000 euros to 2.5 million euros, representing a rise of 400%.

That increase mirrors his growing importance at Troyes and the wider interest in his performances. At 19, the Algeria U23 international is now regarded as a young player worth following closely as he continues to establish himself.

Troyes are due to play Marseille in their sixth match of the French championship.

Keyliane Abdallah’s impressive start to the season has led to a dramatic increase in his estimated market value, with the 20-year-old Olympique de Marseille forward now valued at €5m by Transfermarkt.

The figure represents a rise of 9,900% in just a few months. Abdallah’s value has increased from €50,000 to €5m, meaning it has been multiplied by 100 as he begins to make an impact with his boyhood club.

Two goals and a significant first start

Abdallah has scored twice for Olympique de Marseille, including in the Ligue Europa against Besiktas, when he made his first start for the club.

Operating on the right wing, the young forward has offered pace, direct running and a willingness to push forward. His contribution against the Turkish side was not limited to his attacking work. He also recovered five balls and won 100% of his duels.

Those figures underline the all-round nature of his display and have helped Abdallah establish himself more firmly within the Marseille squad. His ability to take the initiative and play with an attacking mindset has added freshness to the club’s offensive play.

The winger’s early performances are beginning to support the expectations that surrounded him and have given him an opportunity to claim a more prominent role. His growing influence has also been reflected in the sharp revision of his market valuation.

From €50,000 to €5m, the change is one of the most striking indicators of the impact made by his first appearances at the highest level. The increase in value follows his first goals and his successful introduction to senior football with Olympique de Marseille.

Following in his uncle’s footsteps

Abdallah has also benefited from advice within his family. He is the nephew of Toifilou Maoulida, a familiar figure in French football, who regularly encourages the young player and closely follows his progress.

At 20, Abdallah remains at the beginning of his career with Olympique de Marseille. However, his promising opening to the season and a market value already estimated at €5m mean his development is attracting increasing attention.

Olympique de Marseille will soon play their Ligue 1 fixture against Troyes on matchday six of the French championship. The listed odds for the game are 1.90 for a Marseille victory, 3.80 for a draw and 3.68 for a Troyes win.

AC Milan are closely monitoring Cagliari’s 19-year-old Senegalese forward Paul Mendy, who is beginning to attract interest from several leading Serie A clubs.

Mendy joined Cagliari in March 2026 and has quickly emerged on the radar of Milan’s recruitment team. The Lombardy club are continuing to assess his progress and could consider making a move in a future transfer window, according to Ekrem Konur.

The teenager’s performances have also drawn praise from Pape Ndoffene Fall, who described Mendy as a “diamond to polish” after his exploit with Cagliari.

AC Milan are not alone in watching the young attacker. Inter Milan are also following his development, underlining the growing attention surrounding his potential in Italy.

Mendy’s attacking qualities and scope for improvement have made him a player of interest to both Milan clubs. His current contract with Cagliari runs until June 2031, giving the club a long-term commitment to the player.

The forward’s estimated market value is currently €12m. That figure could change depending on his performances and the level of interest from clubs monitoring him.

Cagliari’s next significant test will come when they face AC Milan in the sixth round of the Italian championship.

Adil Bourabaa has seen his market value increase sevenfold in just a few months, with the Mans FC midfielder now valued at 3.5 million euros by Transfermarkt, compared with 500,000 euros at the start of the year.

The dramatic rise reflects the rapid transformation in the 2026 of a player who was still competing in National 2 in January. Eight months later, Bourabaa is on the verge of making his debut for Algeria’s Fennecs.

His potential international appearance comes after an impressive start to the Ligue 1 season, where he has quickly established himself among the division’s most eye-catching performers.

Bourabaa has scored three goals and provided two assists in his first five league matches. Those five direct contributions in as many games underline the influence he has had from midfield, particularly in the final third.

His ability to threaten near the opposition penalty area and make a direct difference to results has attracted considerable attention. Observers of the French top flight have regularly highlighted the midfielder as one of the most decisive players of the opening weeks of the campaign.

That form has helped earn Bourabaa a place in Algeria’s squad and represents the latest step in a remarkable change of status. He could feature when the Fennecs face Zambia on Friday, 25 September 2026.

For a player who was still operating in the lower divisions at the beginning of the year, the progress has been swift. Bourabaa has moved from being a young midfielder to watch to a potential Algeria international within a matter of months.

The change is also reflected in his valuation. Transfermarkt rated him at 500,000 euros earlier in the year, but now places his worth at 3.5 million euros. His market value has therefore multiplied by seven.

Bourabaa’s rise could continue if he maintains his early Ligue 1 form and secures a regular place in the Algeria team. His emergence at Mans FC has made him one of the players attracting the closest attention as the new season develops.

Algeria’s meeting with Zambia will also be the nation’s opening fixture in the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with the Group D fixture scheduled for 13:00 GMT.

The Bafana Bafana will be hoping home advantage helps them make a positive start, while Guinea will look to Serhou Guirassy to provide the attacking threat in what is expected to be a competitive opening match.

South Africa

Ronwen Williams is set to start in goal for South Africa. The experienced goalkeeper is an established figure in the team and a leader in the dressing room, making him one of the key players expected to guide the Bafana Bafana through their first qualifier.

South Africa's expected XI is:

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams

Defenders: Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Puso Dithejane

Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma

The probable selection features four defenders behind a midfield led by Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena. Yanela Mbuthuma is expected to lead the attack, with Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Puso Dithejane providing support from midfield.

South Africa will be aiming to use the first match of the qualifying schedule to establish an early position in Group D.

Guinea

Guinea are expected to place much of their attacking responsibility on Serhou Guirassy. The forward is regarded as the Syli National's main star and will be their primary option in front of goal against South Africa.

Guinea's expected XI is:

Goalkeeper: Soumaila Sylla

Defenders: Sekou Sylla, Mory Konate, Mohamed Soumah, Ibrahima Fofana

Midfielders: Ilaix Moriba, Ousmane Diabate, Aguibou Camara, Seydouba Cisse

Attackers: Abdoul Traore, Serhou Guirassy

The visitors are set to line up with two attackers, including Guirassy, while Ilaix Moriba, Ousmane Diabate, Aguibou Camara and Seydouba Cisse are expected to form the midfield.

The match will be Guinea's first fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with the team relying on Guirassy's influence to make an impact away from home.

Pre-match odds quoted by 1xbet place South Africa as favourites at 1.90. A draw is priced at 3.20, while a Guinea victory is listed at 4.40.

Gessime Yassine’s rapid progress at RC Strasbourg has reinforced BlueCo’s belief that signing the young winger was a sound investment, with the player having moved from amateur football to the World Cup in only a few years.

BlueCo, which owns both Strasbourg and Chelsea, is particularly encouraged by the Moroccan’s development, according to TEAMtalk. The group reportedly considers his recruitment an increasingly promising piece of business.

Yassine was playing for Istres in the fifth tier of French football when his ability attracted the attention of Demba Ba, the former Chelsea and Newcastle striker.

Ba was director of football and a co-owner of Dunkerque, then in Ligue 2, when he decided to take a chance on the winger in 2024. Yassine quickly began to justify that decision, establishing himself and attracting wider attention in France.

His performances soon brought interest from several major European networks. The City Football Group, which is linked to Manchester City, and Red Bull were both reportedly interested in signing him and could have offered a potentially swift route towards elite-level football.

Strasbourg move pays off

BlueCo ultimately won the race for his signature. In January, Strasbourg signed Yassine for 5 million pounds, approximately 5.75 million euros.

Before that move, he had produced three goals and eight assists in just 15 appearances during an especially impressive season. He immediately joined Strasbourg’s first team and continued his upward trajectory.

That progress led to an unexpected international opportunity. Yassine was selected in Morocco’s squad for the World Cup, where he also scored a goal which brought still more attention to his story.

For BlueCo, the sequence of events has provided early evidence that its investment was worthwhile. TEAMtalk says sources close to the deal believe the 5.75 million euros paid for Yassine could prove particularly valuable given the player’s potential.

The group does not believe he has reached his full level yet. His swift journey from amateur football to the highest stage is understood to have strengthened BlueCo’s conviction that he can develop further.

Chelsea can monitor that progress through BlueCo’s multi-club model, with Yassine now regarded as one of the most promising young players within the organisation’s network.

His career has taken him from Istres in France’s fifth division to the World Cup, underlining how quickly a player’s prospects can change when emerging talent is identified at the right moment.

South Africa host Guinea on Saturday, 26 September 2026 as both sides begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Group D.

The match at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg is scheduled to kick off at 13:00 GMT. It will be broadcast by beIN Sports, Canal+ Afrique, SuperSport and SABC Sport.

South Africa will look to make home advantage count after entering the qualifiers with high expectations under manager Pitso Mosimane. The experienced coach was appointed after the 2026 World Cup and brings a strong tactical approach, as well as extensive knowledge of African football.

The Bafana Bafana will aim to build on the momentum of their World Cup campaign by securing a positive result in their opening fixture. A victory would allow them to establish an early position of strength in Group D and underline their ambitions for the tournament.

Previous meetings

The head-to-head record gives Guinea a narrow advantage. In five previous meetings between the teams, the Syli National have won twice, while two matches have ended in draws. South Africa have recorded one victory.

Guinea will rely on their attacking quality as they attempt to start the qualification campaign with three points. Their forward line is led by Serhou Guirassy, and the squad contains enough technical ability to threaten South Africa at different stages of the match.

The main challenge for Guinea will be maintaining their composure when the game reaches decisive moments. Their coaching staff are seeking greater mental resilience and consistency so the team can turn its attacking potential into results.

South Africa are considered slight favourites for the opening encounter. Their home advantage, positive momentum from the 2026 World Cup and Mosimane’s tactical discipline are expected to give them an edge in a closely contested match.

Guinea’s attacking talent could make the game competitive, but concerns over their ability to manage periods of pressure may work against them. South Africa’s organisation and efficiency could prove decisive.

The Africafoot prediction is a 1-0 win for South Africa.

The match is due to take place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with kick-off at 13:00 GMT. The published betting prices list South Africa at 1.90 to win, the draw at 3.20 and Guinea at 4.40.

French midfielder Youssouf Fofana has left Milan to join Sevilla, where his arrival has been greeted with considerable enthusiasm.

Jon Guridi, one of Sevilla’s Spanish players, offered a brief but striking assessment of his new team-mate, describing Fofana as “simply a beast”.

Sevilla are currently fifth in the La Liga table.

Dean Huijsen has declined to name his choice for the Ballon d’Or, with Spain and Real Madrid team-mates Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe among the leading contenders.

The 21-year-old central defender plays alongside Yamal for Spain and with Mbappe at Real Madrid, but would not choose between the two players when asked who should receive the award.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place in London on 26 October.

Exactly one month before the presentation, Spain will face England at Wembley in the Nations League.

Barcelona forward Raphinha Dias has once again credited manager Hansi Flick with playing a major role in his success.

The Brazil international, traditionally a winger, has made a strong impact as a centre-forward this season after Flick moved him into the position.

Raphinha has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in eight matches during the current campaign.

Lamine Yamal has defended himself and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe after the two players were criticised for speaking openly about their Ballon d’Or hopes.

The Barcelona winger said: “Mbappe and I are criticised for being honest.”

Both players have regularly discussed the award in interviews and have made no secret of their belief that they should be considered among the leading candidates.

The Ballon d’Or will be presented at a ceremony in London on 26 October, with Yamal and Mbappe regarded as two of the favourites to win the prize.

Dean Huijsen has taken responsibility for Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat by Atletico Madrid in their recent derby.

The 21-year-old central defender was sent off in the 52nd minute of Sunday’s match, with the score still level at 0-0. Real Madrid went on to lose the game 2-1.

Real Madrid’s next fixture is at home to Villarreal on 10 October. Jose Mourinho’s side are fourth in the La Liga table, with 15 points from seven matches.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained the club’s decision to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal before the close of the summer transfer window.

The Brazil international joined the Catalan side from the London club as Barcelona strengthened their squad late in the window.

Jesus has scored two goals in four appearances for Barcelona since completing the move.

Barcelona sporting director Deco says Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid has made his club’s task more difficult in La Liga.

The Portuguese manager took charge of Real Madrid before the start of the current season, returning to the club after a 13-year absence.

Barcelona currently lead the La Liga table with 21 points from seven matches. Real Madrid have collected 15 points and sit fourth.

Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club’s interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is “now in the past”.

Barcelona wanted to sign the Argentina international during the summer, but Atletico Madrid’s leadership was unwilling to enter negotiations.

Alvarez was keen on a move to Barcelona and publicly expressed his desire for a change of surroundings. However, the 24-year-old was unable to secure a transfer to the Catalan club.

The striker’s market value is estimated at 120m euros by Transfermarkt.

Real Madrid have issued an official comment on the injury sustained by central defender Ibrahima Konate.

Konate was previously left out of the France squad because of the problem.

The defender joined Real Madrid this season and has made seven appearances for the club so far, combining his outings in La Liga and the Champions League.

Before moving to Spain, Konate spent five years playing in England with Liverpool.