Sports
Thomas Tuchel named Chelsea head coach
Former manager at the Paris Saint-Germain, Thomas Tuchel, has been appointed as the new head coach of Chelsea.
The German was confirmed on Tuesday as the successor to Frank Lampard, who was sacked on Monday, according to Sky Sport.
It reported the club as saying Tuchel had signed an 18-month contract “with the possibility of an extension”.
Chelsea also confirmed that Tuchel would take charge of his first training session on Tuesday evening and will be in the Stamford Bridge dugout for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Wolves.
“I would like to thank Chelsea FC for their confidence in me and my staff,” Tuchel told the club website.
“We all have the greatest respect for Frank Lampard’s work and the legacy he created at Chelsea. At the same time, I cannot wait to meet my new team and compete in the most exciting league in football.
“I am grateful to now be part of the Chelsea family – it feels amazing!”
Tuchel was available after his departure from the PSG, where he won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles and reached last season’s Champions League final before being replaced by ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
The 47-year-old began his managerial career in Germany, going on to win the German Cup in 2017 with Borussia Dortmund, where he spent two years in charge following spells with Augsburg and Mainz.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added, “It is never easy to change head coach in the middle of the season but we are very happy to secure one of Europe’s best coaches in Thomas Tuchel.
“There is still much to play for and much to achieve, this season and beyond. We welcome Thomas to the club.”
What to expect
Tuchel’s biggest asset is his tactical flexibility, according to goals.com. He is more focused on exposing weaknesses than adhering to one particular idea, making positional tweaks and wholesale formation changes – sometimes as many as half a dozen in a single game – to outwit the other team.
He most often uses a 4-3-3 formation, and although a 4-2-2-2, 3-5-2, and 4-1-4-1 have all been deployed frequently at various stages of his career, it is the 4-3-3, and its component parts, that provide the most accurate approximation of his tactical beliefs.
Perhaps the most likely system will be a 4-3-3 in which Jorginho – who Tuchel wanted to sign for PSG – plays at the base of midfield, with Mason Mount in the hybrid role and Mateo Kovacic or N’Golo Kante box-to-box.
Given the importance of pressing from the front, of dropping into the half-spaces, and of playing on the half-turn to advance with quick, vertical football, it seems likely a narrow front three will see Kai Havertz supported by Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic.
Then again, the 4-2-2-2 used regularly at PSG could be applied at Chelsea, with Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech out wide and Werner and Havertz, who played as false nine at Leverkusen, together up front.
Werner and Havertz are tailor-made for Tuchel’s Jurgen Klopp-inspired football, while the new Chelsea manager has also worked very effectively in the past with Pulisic at Dortmund and Thiago Silva at PSG.
Sports
Lamine Yamal Fires Back: “Mocking Religion Makes You Ignorant, Racist”
Lamine Yamal Fires Back: “Mocking Religion Makes You Ignorant, Racist”
Lamine Yamal has sparked widespread conversation after condemning the act of mocking religion, describing it as both ignorant and racist.
The FC Barcelona youngster issued the strong warning while reacting to offensive remarks targeting his beliefs, stressing that respect for religion and cultural differences should never be compromised.
According to Yamal, ridiculing someone’s faith goes beyond humor or free speech, and instead reflects a deeper problem of intolerance and lack of understanding in society.
He said acts of religious mockery contribute to division and hostility, especially in a world where diversity continues to grow across communities, sports, and online spaces.
READ ALSO:
- Power Crisis Looms as NLC Shuts AEDC, Protests Sack of 900 Workers
- Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos
- Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat
The teenage football star urged fans and social media users to embrace tolerance, respect, and inclusivity, rather than spreading hate or engaging in abusive behavior.
His comments come amid rising concerns over online abuse in football, where players increasingly face attacks related to race, religion, and personal identity.
Yamal’s stance has drawn praise from supporters and observers who see his response as a bold step in addressing racism in sports and promoting unity among fans worldwide.
As conversations around freedom of expression vs hate speech continue globally, the young star’s message highlights the importance of mutual respect in maintaining harmony both on and off the pitch.
Lamine Yamal Fires Back: “Mocking Religion Makes You Ignorant, Racist”
Sports
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its group stage matches in the United States as originally scheduled, dismissing doubts raised amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Infantino made the announcement on Tuesday during Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, saying, “Iran will be at the World Cup. The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” He stressed that there is no alternative plan to relocate the games, affirming FIFA’s commitment to keeping the tournament on course.
Iran had previously announced it was negotiating with FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns linked to the ongoing US-Israeli-Iran conflict. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had expressed willingness to host the games if necessary, but FIFA confirmed all three fixtures will remain in the U.S., ensuring compliance with the official tournament draw.
READ ALSO:
- Senate President Akpabio Declares Three Seats Vacant, Orders By‑Elections
- Sanwo-Olu Unveils 2026 Lagos Economic Blueprint to Drive Growth
- Dangote Refinery Secures $4 Billion Syndicated Loan with $2.5 Billion Backing from Afreximbank
The Iranian squad is drawn in Group G, alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their matches are scheduled as follows:
- Iran vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 15, 2026
- Iran vs Belgium – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 21, 2026
- Iran vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle, June 26, 2026
Infantino, who attended the friendly match in Turkey, praised the Iranian team as “very, very strong” and confirmed that players and coaches are well-prepared for the tournament. He highlighted FIFA’s principle that all qualified teams must compete according to the official schedule, unaffected by political disputes.
Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, Vice President of the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), affirmed Iran’s commitment to FIFA’s regulations, stating: “Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honor them.” He said the meeting with Infantino during the friendly gave the team reassurance and a morale boost ahead of the World Cup.
Earlier, some Iranian officials, including Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, had expressed concerns over participation due to safety issues. There were even suggestions that the country might withdraw, but FIFA’s firm stance ensures Iran will compete on U.S. soil as planned.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 teams across multiple North American cities. Iran’s participation guarantees that Group G matches will proceed as drawn, offering fans clarity and ensuring the integrity of the tournament.
FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States
Sports
Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List
Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List
The highest-paid African footballers in 2026 continue to earn staggering wages, with stars in the Saudi Pro League dominating the rankings due to lucrative contracts. From Riyad Mahrez to Mohamed Salah, African players remain among the top earners in global football, earning hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly.
Leading the list is Riyad Mahrez, who earns an estimated £827,000–£886,000 per week at Al-Ahli, making him the highest-paid African footballer. He is followed by Sadio Mané, who earns around £630,000–£680,000 weekly at Al-Nassr.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly earns about £550,000–£590,000 weekly at Al-Hilal, making him the highest-paid African defender. In Europe, Mohamed Salah continues to command massive wages of £350,000–£400,000 per week at Liverpool FC.
READ ALSO:
- Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)
- Canada Raises Permanent Residence, Citizenship Fees for Nigerians, Others
- Plateau Palm Sunday Massacre: US Lawmaker Warns Nigeria
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen earns between £250,000–£318,000 weekly at Galatasaray, making him one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.
Midfielder Franck Kessié and defender Achraf Hakimi both earn just over £220,000 per week, playing for Al-Ahli and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy earns up to £200,000 weekly, while Iñaki Williams takes home about £180,000 per week at Athletic Bilbao. Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes the list with weekly earnings of £150,000–£160,000 at Al-Qadsiah.
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers (2026) – Weekly Salaries
| Rank | Player | Club | Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Riyad Mahrez | Al-Ahli | £827,000 – £886,000 |
| 2 | Sadio Mané | Al-Nassr | £630,000 – £680,000 |
| 3 | Kalidou Koulibaly | Al-Hilal | £550,000 – £590,000 |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool FC | £350,000 – £400,000 |
| 5 | Victor Osimhen | Galatasaray | £250,000 – £318,000 |
| 6 | Franck Kessié | Al-Ahli | £220,000 – £233,000 |
| 7 | Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain | £220,000 – £227,000 |
| 8 | Edouard Mendy | Al-Ahli | £170,000 – £200,000 |
| 9 | Iñaki Williams | Athletic Bilbao | ~£180,000 |
| 10 | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Al-Qadsiah | £150,000 – £160,000 |
The rankings underline the growing dominance of the Saudi Pro League, which now offers significantly higher wages than most European leagues, attracting top African talent. Only a few players, such as Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, remain among the top earners in Europe.
Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List
-
Entertainment2 days agoFunke Akindele, Toyin Abraham Spark Reactions Over Alleged Snub at Iyabo Ojo’s Premiere
-
metro3 days agoJos Attack: Plateau Govt Declares 48-Hour Curfew After Deadly Assault
-
Education2 days agoWAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates
-
Auto1 day agoLagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)
-
metro2 days agoCars Torched as South Africans Protest Alleged Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ Coronation
-
News2 days agoUK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8
-
Auto3 days agoMotoring World marks 30 years, set to rally industry leaders in Lagos
-
metro3 days agoDebate as OPM Pastor Marries Autistic Man to Older Woman
You must be logged in to post a comment Login